John Owan Enoh (() born 4 June 1966)[1] is a Nigerian politician, teacher, farmer, and philanthropist. He was the 36th Minister of Sports Development of Nigeria.He is currently the Minister of State for Industry, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (Industry).[2]
John Owan Enoh | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Honourable Minister of state for Industry.Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. | |
| Assumed office 21 August 2023 | |
| President | Bola Tinubu |
| Preceded by | Sunday Dare |
| Senator for Cross River Central | |
| In office 9 June 2015 – 9 June 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Victor Ndoma-Egba |
| Succeeded by | Sandy Ojang Onor |
| Member of the House of Representatives of Nigeria from Cross River | |
| In office 3 June 2003 – 6 June 2015 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 4 June 1966 Agbokim, Eastern Region (now in Cross River State), Nigeria |
| Political party | All Progressives Congress (2017–present) |
| Other political affiliations | Peoples Democratic Party (before 2017) |
| Spouse | Rachel Owan-Enoh |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater | University of Calabar |
| Occupation |
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Early life and education
editEnoh was born and raised in Agbokim Waterfall community of Cross River State.[3] He graduated from the University of Calabar in 1988 with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, and was the best-graduating student of his set. He attended several courses at home and abroad on capacity building in aid of his legislative work.
Enoh is a fellow of the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies (CEPACS) at the University of Ibadan.[4] He was also listed as one of Nigeria's 50 Most Outstanding Legislative Icons (1999 – 2010) in a book published by Parlia Consult, a Consortium of Legislative Historians.
Political career
editEnoh returned to the University of Calabar and served as a lecturer between 1991 and 1997.[4] He received an M.Sc (Demography), a PGDM, and an MBA degree.
In 2003, he got elected to the House of Representatives on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, where he served in the 5th, 6th and 7th Houses.
During his first term, he served as deputy chairman of the House Committee on Culture & Tourism (2003-2005) and the House Committee on Appropriation (2005-2007). In his second term, he was chairman of the House Committee on Finance (2007-2011). He chaired the Committee on Appropriation in his third term (2011-2015).[5]
He got elected to represent the Cross River Central Senatorial District and served in the 8th Senate (2015-2019) as chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance.[6]
He was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) until May 2017, when he decamped to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC)[7] and contested for governorship of Cross River State,[8] which he lost to Ben Ayade.[9]
He was appointed minister of Sports Development by President Bola Tinubu on 16th August 2023.On the 23rd of October 2024,The President redeployed Senator John Owan Enoh to the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment ,as the Honourable Minister of State for Industry.[10]
Farm venture
editEnoh owns numerous farms where he conducts agriculture and livestock production. The farming venture he started in 2000 has cultivated about 2000 hectares of land as of 2021. Enoh's farm spreads across various parts of Cross River State and includes about 150 hectares of planted palms in Agbokim Waterfalls, expanding to about 100 hectares of planted palms at Etara-Ekuri. His ventures lie in Etung LGA of Cross River State.
Enoh is said to operate an out-grower scheme in communities where his farms are located.[11]
Philanthropy
editEnoh runs a philanthropy[12] including a foundation named JOE (John Owan Enoh) Foundation, which provides aid for people living with diabetes in Nigeria.[3][6]
Personal life
editHe is married to Rachel Owan-Enoh and has three children with her; Rachel, John Jr., and Victor. He is a football and lawn tennis enthusiast.[13]
References
edit- ^ Adeleye, Adegboyega (17 August 2023). "Meet farmer, politician, John Enoh appointed as Nigeria's Minister of Sports". Vanguard. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ Olusola, Jide (17 August 2023). "Enoh replaces Dare as Nigeria's Minister of Sports". Daily Trust. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ a b "Distinguished Senator John Owan Enoh at 54 | The Paradise". theparadise.ng. 4 June 2020. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ a b Ubanagu, Makua (17 August 2023). "Meet Nigeria's new Sports Minister, John Enoh". The Punch. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
- ^ Eludini, Tunde (18 August 2023). "Profile: John Owan-Enoh: New minister of sports looks like another square peg in round hole". Premium Times. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
- ^ a b "Profile: Sen. John Owan Enoh Cross River Central". National Assembly of Nigeria. Archived from the original on 25 June 2016. Retrieved 13 June 2016.
- ^ Wande, S-Davies (9 May 2017). "Senator Owan-Enoh's defection, a blow to PDP ―APC chieftain". Nigerian Tribune. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ "Senator emerges Cross River APC governorship candidate". 2 October 2018. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
- ^ Akpan, Anietie (13 September 2019). "Tribunal returns Ayade as Cross River chief executive". The Guardian. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ Ulom, Frank (17 August 2023). "Names Of Nigeria Ministers, Portfolio, State Of Origin, Geopolitical Zone". converseer.com. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
- ^ Vodina, Richard; Obaji, Akpet (14 November 2014). "Inside Nigeria ex-Lawmaker farm ventures". The Paradise. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ Uchechukwu, Ike (26 November 2019). "Senator Owan-Enoh tackles diabetes in 6 C'River LGs". Vanguard. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
- ^ "John Owan Enoh Biography and Detailed Profile". Politicians Data. 24 May 2018. Retrieved 15 October 2021.