Ede Dafinone

Ede Dafinone was born to family of Late Chief (Senator) David Dafinone and Cynthia Dafinone.[4] His siblings include Igho Omueya Dafinone, Duvie Omueya Dafinone, Daphne Omueya Dafinone, and Joy Omueya Dafinone. They all qualified as members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales between 1986 and 1999. Their father had earlier become a member of the institute in 1963.[5]

Ede Dafinone received his education from various institutions, spanning both Nigeria and the United Kingdom. He began his academic journey at Corona School in Apapa, Lagos State, where he attended from 1968 to 1973, earning his first school leaving certificate. Following that, he pursued his secondary education at Kings College Lagos, from 1973 to 1978. Dafinone then ventured abroad to Rugby School in Warwickshire, United Kingdom, where he studied from 1978 to 1980.

Continuing his quest for knowledge, Dafinone enrolled at the Victoria University of Manchester in the United Kingdom, where he pursued his undergraduate studies from 1980 to 1983 and earned a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree in Economics. After completing his degree, he furthered his educational pursuits at the University of Exeter, also in the UK, bagging a Master of Arts in Economics in 1984.[6][7]

Dafinone's dedication to continuous learning extended to the business realm as well. He attended the Lagos Business School in Lagos, Nigeria, enhancing his knowledge in the field of business and management.

He is a Fellow in both the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), which were conferred upon him in 2000. Additionally, he is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, a distinction he has held since 1991.[8]

Ede Dafinone has a career history spanning multiple sectors. He began his professional journey at Touche Ross & Co Chartered Accountants in London, where he gained experience from 1984 to 1988. Following this, he joined Crowe Dafinone, Chartered Accountants in Lagos in 1989. Over the years, he progressed within the firm, becoming a Partner in 1997 and later assuming the role of Deputy Managing Partner from 2007 to the present.[9]

In addition to his role as a chartered accountant, Dafinone has held significant directorship positions in other sectors. Notably, he has served as a Director of Sapele Petroleum Limited, Ceddi Corporation Limited, and Sapele Integrated Industries Limited.[10]

Dafinone has held various appointments in both the private and public sectors. Notable roles include serving as a Director of NEXIM Bank, Chairman of the Members of the Advisory Board for Africa ICAEW,[11]Council Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW) representing Africa,[12] and Board member of the National Film and Video Censors Board.[13] He has also served as the Chairperson of the Manufacturer's Association of Nigeria Export Promotion Group (MAN-EPG).[14]

Ede Dafinone is the Chairman, National Executive Council of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation.[15] [16] He is a former chairman of the Manufactures Association of Nigeria Export Group,[17] and Board of Trustee, Guild of Fine Artists of Nigeria[18]

His is a member Board of Directors NEM Insurance,[8] chairman of the Sapele Okpe Community Land Trust Association[19] and Deputy Managing Partner Crowe[20]

Ede Dafinone has been actively involved in politics, playing a significant role in various political parties and elections. In 1998, Dafinone, alongside his late father, Chief Senator David Dafinone, became a founding member of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State.[21]

In 2006, he contested the Delta Central Senatorial PDP primaries, showcasing his willingness to actively participate in the democratic process and represent the interests of his constituency. He continued his political journey by participating in the Delta Central Senatorial bye-elections in 2013, this time as the Senatorial Candidate of the Democratic People's Party (DPP). This further highlighted his dedication to serving the people and making a difference within the political landscape.[22]

Since 2014, Ede Dafinone has been a staunch member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He was among the first group of individuals in Delta State to leave their former parties and join the APC.

On September 12, 2023, the tribunal nullified his victory and ordered a supplementary election within 90 days in only 23 polling units.

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Dafinone serves as a Trustee of the Okpe Union, actively contributing to the welfare and development of the Okpe community. He holds the position of Chairman of the Sapele Okpe Community Land Trust Association, overseeing land-related matters and ensuring responsible management of community resources. He has also served as the Vice-Chairman of the Urhobo Progress Union - Management Board, playing a significant role in advancing the Urhobo community and promoting its interests.[24]

In recognition of his contributions, Dafinone was honored with the traditional title of Ede of Okpe Kingdom.[25]

The Dafinone Foundation engages in social and community outreach, focusing on education, economic empowerment, and skills development. The foundation provides scholarships of all categories to Deltans, supporting individuals from primary school to postgraduate education. By offering financial assistance, the foundation enables deserving students to pursue their academic aspirations and unlock their potential. In addition to education, the Dafinone Foundation extends support to women and youths in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through the provision of micro-credit loans. These loans empower individuals to establish or expand their businesses, fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth within the community.[26]

The foundation operates a Skill Acquisition Centre. This center offers training and equips women and youths with vital livelihood skills such as tailoring, hairdressing, adult education, welding, computer education, and catering, among others. Since its inception in 2007, the center has benefitted over 5,000 individuals, equipping them with valuable skills that enhance their employability and income-generating potential.[27]

The Dafinone Foundation employs over 700 individuals across Delta State through Sapele Integrated Industries Ltd. The company specializes in rubber and allied products exports, providing employment opportunities and contributing to the local economy. Through the Foundation's multifaceted approach, Ede Dafinone demonstrates his commitment to addressing educational needs, promoting economic empowerment, and nurturing skills development within the community. The foundation's initiatives have positively impacted the lives of many, fostering social progress and creating opportunities for individuals to thrive.[28]