December 16, 2025
The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator Professor Stephen Odey, humbly expresses profound gratitude to Almighty God for the gift of life, grace, and good health, and sincerely appreciates the overwhelming love, goodwill, prayers, and support received from family, friends, associates, supporters, and well-wishers on the occasion of his swearing-in / oath-taking as a Notary Public and his birthday.
Professor Odey is deeply thankful to everyone who took time to celebrate with him and to identify with these memorable milestones. He extends special appreciation to His Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey; the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem; Hon. Odey Brian and Hon. Dr. Martins Achadu (Yala I & II State Constituencies); Hon. Thomas Aruku (Ogoja); Hon. Omang Charles (Bekwarra); Hon. Ashakia Pius (Obanliku); Hon. Cyril Omini (Yakurr I); and Hon. Francis Ogban (Biase).
He also appreciates members of the State Executive Council, particularly Hon. Patrick Egbede Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Barr. Oden Ejem Ukam, Commissioner for Youth Development; Hon. Lawrencia Ita, Commissioner for Training and Pensions; Hon. Dr. Abigail Duke, Commissioner for Commerce; Hon. Dr. Beatrice Ocheke Igwe, Commissioner for Housing; Hon. Dr. Helen Isamoh-Egodo, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs. Special thanks also go to Hon. Boniface Okache, Deputy Chief of Staff, for his warm wishes and prayers.
The Commissioner further expresses heartfelt appreciation to leaders in academia and education: Professor Francisca Bassey, Vice-Chancellor, University of Cross River State (UNICROSS); Professor Patrick Nyong Asuquo, Vice-Chancellor, University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa; Professor Bassey Antigha, Head of Department, Sociology, University of Calabar (UNICAL); and Professor Michael Ushie, Department of Social Work, University of Calabar.
Profound thanks are also extended to the Nigeria Barr Association, Calabar branch Chairman, Enome Amatey, Esq., Barr. Leo Anyogo; Barr. Roland Ipuole, Ph.D.; Barr. Ofem Mbunyi, Legal Practitioner, Ndoma-Egba, Ebri & Co.; Barr. Oka Okoi, Legal Practitioner; Dr. Mrs. Affiong Ugbaja, Special Adviser on Education; Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties; Mrs. Offiong Ani Offiong, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education; Hon. Fidelia Okpo Ene, Executive Chairman, Cross River State Universal Basic Education Board (CR-SUBEB); Dr. Tony Ngbun, Chairman, State Secondary Education Board; Dr. Emmanuel Archibong, Executive Secretary, State Technical Education Board; Hon Francis Ekpo, Director General, State Electricity Agency; Comrade Gregory Olayi, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT); and Engr. Cosmas Oloko, APC Yala LGA Stakeholder.
Special appreciation is also conveyed to the youth leadership, particularly His Youthfulness, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, NYCN Chairman, Cross River State, and His Youthfulness, Comrade Frank Alim Okpe, President-General, Yache Youths Forum, for leading the Yache delegation to the event, as well as to many others too numerous to mention.
Senator Odey is equally grateful to members of the Press, journalists, his media team members, friends in Nigeria and in the diaspora for their massive show of love on him; He prayed that God bless and reward everyone abundantly for their kind demonstration of love. Once again, thank you and God bless you and family! Wishing you all a very happy Christmas and a prosperous new year in advance.