By Ogochukwu Isioma
Daniel Uwadia, a renowned development professional, youth advocate, entrepreneur, policy strategist, and grassroots mobiliser, has emerged as the candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the Edo State House of Assembly, Oredo West constituency, ahead of the 2027 elections.
His emergence at the party’s primary election held on Friday, in Benin City, marks another significant milestone in a journey defined by public service, youth development advocacy, and active participation in governance at both local and international levels.
Born and raised in New Benin, Uwadia completed his primary, secondary, and tertiary education in Edo State, graduating from the University of Benin. Over the years, he has built a reputation as a committed advocate for sustainable development, youth inclusion, innovation, and community empowerment.
Daniel’s leadership experience extends beyond Nigeria’s borders. As a former Member of the Stakeholder Advisory Group Enterprise (SAGE) of the United Nations Human Settlement Programme (UN-Habitat) in Nairobi, Kenya, he contributed to global conversations on sustainable development, climate resilience, housing systems, urban innovation, and youth participation in governance.
His engagements have taken him to major international policy and development platforms across Germany, Kenya, Egypt, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, Poland, Rwanda, Morocco, Ethiopia, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States, where he consistently represented the interests of Nigerian youths and projected the aspirations of Edo people on the global stage.
Despite his international exposure, Daniel has remained deeply rooted in grassroots development. He has repeatedly emphasised that leadership should be defined by service, accountability, accessibility, and measurable impact rather than titles or privileges.
Throughout his public service career, Daniel has held several strategic positions, including Member of the Stakeholder Advisory Group Enterprise (SAGE) of UN-Habitat, Minority Leader of the 4th Assembly of the Nigerian Youth Parliament (NYP), Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to the Governor of Edo State, and Special Assistant (SA) on Student Affairs to the Edo State Government.
He also played active roles in some of Nigeria’s most notable youth-focused policy initiatives, including the advocacy efforts that led to the passage of the “Not Too Young To Run” Bill and the establishment of the National Youth Investment Fund.
Following his tenure in the Nigerian Youth Parliament (NYP), Daniel championed the creation of the Edo Youth Parliament (EYP) by drafting its constitutional framework, facilitating the constitution of its first assembly, and advocating greater youth representation in governance.
Party members and supporters have described his emergence as a reflection of his longstanding commitment to public service, youth empowerment, and community development.
With the NDC ticket secured, Daniel is expected to take his message of inclusive leadership, development-driven governance, and grassroots engagement to the people of Oredo West as preparations begin for the 2027 electoral contest.
