Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator Stephen Odey Ph D, has unveiled his new book titled, “OIL AND GAS: Pollution Abatement and Control Legislation in Nigeria”.
The book launch was Chaired by Prof Enang Udah, who serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Calabar.
The unveiling which took place in Calabar, the Cross River State capital city on Saturday, attracted notable personalities including his dear wife Mrs. Monica Odey, the State Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC Cross River State, Alphonsus Ogar Eba Esq JP and former Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar, Prof Zana Akpagu.
This is just as Sen Odey was awarded his second Ph.D. (Doctor of Law) at the 36th Convocation Ceremony of the Prestigious University of Calabar, where he also represented the Cross River State Governor, Sen Prince Bassey Otu at the epoch-making event.
PROFILE OF SENATOR STEPHEN ADI ODEY, A STATESMAN OF INTEGRITY AND SCHOLARLY DISTINCTION
Senator Stephen Adi Odey, hailing from Uchu-Yache in the Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria, is a distinguished figure renowned for his academic prowess, professional achievements, and commitment to public service. His journey of excellence began with a solid foundation in education, as he attended St. Christopher Primary School in Uchu-Yache and later Yache Community Secondary School Alifokpa and St. Thomas’s College Ogoja for his secondary education.
Continuing his academic journey, Senator Odey pursued higher education at the prestigious University of Calabar, where he obtained multiple degrees, including a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Law and Industrial Sociology, Master of Law (LL.M), Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Industrial Sociology, Bachelor of Law (LL.B Hons.), and Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) Hons. His diverse educational background equipped him with a broad spectrum of knowledge and expertise.
Throughout his career, Senator Odey has held various positions in both public and private sectors, showcasing his versatility and dedication to service. He worked as a Senior Maritime Labour Officer at the Defunct Joint Maritime Labour Industrial Council and later served in the National Assembly as a Personal Assistant and Special Assistant to the former Governor of Cross River State, Senator Professor Ben Ayade.
In addition to his professional roles, Senator Odey has been actively involved in academia, serving as an academic facilitator at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) since 2005 and as a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Calabar. He is also a legal practitioner and the Principal Partner of Dr. Stephen A. Odey & Associates, a law firm established in 2012.
Senator Odey’s contributions to education extend beyond the classroom, as evidenced by his appointment as the Executive Chairman of the Cross River State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in 2015. His exemplary leadership led to his reappointment in 2019, reflecting his outstanding performance and dedication to improving basic education in the state.
Also, in his role at SUBEB, Senator Odey served as the Acting Managing Director of the Cross River State Water Board Limited (CRSWBL), demonstrating his ability to juggle multiple responsibilities and excel in diverse fields simultaneously.
As a Federal Lawmaker representing Cross River North Senatorial District in the 9th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Odey has continued to make significant contributions to national development. He has been appointed as a member of nine strategic Senate Committees, including Education, Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Marine Transport, Environment, Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, Interior, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Aviation, and Diaspora and NGO.
During his tenure in the Senate, Senator Odey has sponsored impactful bills and motions, addressing pressing issues such as the restoration and revalidation of the Safe Schools Initiative in Nigeria. His legislative efforts have garnered widespread acclaim and have been instrumental in shaping policies for the betterment of society.
Beyond his legislative duties, Senator Odey is a prolific author and scholar, with over 66 articles published in learned journals worldwide. He has also authored three scholarly textbooks and contributed chapters to reputable textbooks, further cementing his reputation as an academic luminary.
Senator Odey’s exemplary leadership and dedication to public service have earned him numerous prestigious awards and accolades, including the Distinguished Award of Excellence for promoting educational enterprise and political landscape, the Excellence Award from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), and the Professional Excellence Award from the Centre for Excellence in Professional Development (CEPD).
In recognition of his contributions to peace advocacy and leadership strategies, Senator Odey has been honored as an Honorary Fellow of The Institute of Universal Harmony and has received the Integrity Stewardship Award from the Centre for Save & Serve Humanity Organisation.
His commitment to advancing education and empowering communities has earned him the title of Literacy Champion and Grassroots Community Philanthropist, reflecting his impact on the lives of people at the grassroots level.
Senator Odey’s remarkable journey of academic excellence and public service continues as he assumes the role of Commissioner for Education in Cross River State. With his unwavering dedication and passion for positive change, Senator Odey is poised to make significant strides in shaping the future of education and socio-economic development in the state and beyond.
In his personal life, Senator Odey finds joy in reading, writing, researching, traveling, making friends, and jogging. He is happily married and blessed with children, balancing his professional commitments with his pursuits with grace and determination.
In conclusion, Senator Stephen Adi Odey stands as a shining example of integrity, leadership, and academic excellence. His remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to public service inspire hope and serve as proof of hope for future generations yet unborn.
By Ebriku John Friday and Matthew Okache
Photos by Akpala Beatrice
