March 11, 2026
The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Sen. Professor Stephen Odey, Esq., on Wednesday attended the 2nd Annual State Chapter Conference, Book Launch, 4th Induction and Oath-Taking/Award Ceremony held at the University of Calabar.
The conference, themed “The Counsellor: Digitalization, Mental Health and Counselling Practice,” featured a Festschrift in honour of Bishop Dr. (Mrs.) Eyoanwan-Itam Bassey Otu, Wife of the Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu. The event was organized by the Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON), Cross River State Chapter, in collaboration with the Department of Guidance and Counselling, University of Calabar, and the University of Cross River State.
Serving as Chairman of the Occasion, Professor Odey, commended the organizers and emphasized that the sharing of knowledge remains essential for personal and institutional growth. He declared the conference open and launched the Festschrift, describing the Wife of the Governor as a Woman of Great Virtue (WGV), as the organizers presented him with an Award of Excellence in Educational Management and Community Development, also thanking the Governor.
The event also featured the induction of newly graduated Guidance and Counselling students from the University of Calabar and the University of Cross River State into the Counselling Association of Nigeria, marking the beginning of their professional journey. Dignitaries at the event included the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Professor Offiong Efanga Offiong, Professor Patrick Nyong Asuquo, and the Paramount Ruler of Akamkpa, HRH Amb. Dr. Ophot Agbor Ewa Ebani, alongside other academics, traditional rulers, and stakeholders in the education and counselling profession.