January 12, 2026
We wish to sincerely appreciate Comrade Ogar Emmanuel Oko, Publisher of Rabbit Punch, for his sustained effort in shining the searchlight on individuals who are genuinely committed to societal development, through careful examination of their impact and contributions to society.
In particular, we commend his recent focus on Senator Professor Stephen Odey, Esq., whom he aptly described as a “big masquerade”—a metaphor that captures how Senator Odey has, through consistency and strategy, elevated the ordinary act of giving back to society into a sustained culture of empowerment. These philanthropic gestures, carried out whenever he returns home, have continued to touch lives and uplift communities across the entire Cross River Northern Senatorial District.
For the purpose of proper clarification, it is important to state that the philanthropic gestures and empowerment initiatives of Senator Professor Stephen Odey are neither new nor driven by political ambition. He is a man endowed with the DNA of giving—a natural giver who supports people generously, in season and out of season. Over the years, he has consistently demonstrated this uncommon generosity, and he continues to do so to this day.
It must also be noted that Senator Professor Stephen Odey, who served in the 9th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for eight months (December 16, 2020 – July 30, 2021), is not empowering people because he is nursing any ambition or contesting for any position. Rather, philanthropy has become his lifestyle. More importantly, his continuous support for the people aligns seamlessly with his commitment to complementing the laudable, people-oriented policies of His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu, and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey, whose administration remains steadfastly committed to the transformation and development of Cross River State.
The general public should therefore understand that Senator Professor Stephen Odey, the Cross River State Commissioner for Education, is a good and uncommon leader whose outstanding track record naturally attracts public discourse, speculation, and diverse opinions, such as those expressed by the Publisher of Rabbit Punch. His generosity is neither recent nor politically motivated; it is simply who he is.
Year-by-Year Record of Empowerment
*2017: Distribution of motorcycles, wrappers, bags of rice, other items, and cash support
*2018: Distribution of cars, motorcycles, bags of rice, wrappers, and cash gifts
*2019: Distribution of cars, motorcycles, sewing machines, wrappers, rice, and cash gifts
*2020: Distribution of cars, motorcycles, wrappers, and other items
*2021: Distribution of cars, motorcycles, bags of rice, and cash gifts
*2022: Distribution of cars, motorcycles, sewing machines, and cash gifts
*2023: Distribution of cars, motorcycles, sewing machines, and cash gifts
*2024: Distribution of cars, motorcycles, sewing machines, and cash gifts
*2025: Distribution of cars, motorcycles, sewing machines, and cash gifts
In 2026, as has now become his established culture, Senator Professor Stephen Odey distributed two (2) cars, twenty-five (25) motorcycles, fifty (50) sewing machines, over three hundred (300) bags of rice, cash support, and other empowerment items.
It is also important to note that throughout these years, Professor Odey has remained consistent in:
*Providing scholarships to students to advance their academic pursuits.
*Facilitating pensionable employment and appointment opportunities for his supporters—arguably the highest and most sustainable form of empowerment.
Senator Professor Stephen Odey deeply appreciates the massive love and support he continues to receive from all and sundry. He further charges his supporters and well-wishers to remain steadfast and unwavering in their continued support for the administration of His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu, as the government sustains its drive toward inclusive growth and the overall transformation of Cross River State.