Hon. Boniface Okache, the Deputy Chief of Staff to Cross River State Governor, Apostle Senator Prince Bassey Otu, has been recognised for his outstanding public service. He was inducted as a member, Certified Public Administrator (CPA), and Fellow of the Africa Institute of Public Administration (AIPA) Accra, Ghana.
The ceremony took place during the 22nd CPA and Fellowship Investiture Master Class in Nigeria, held at the Northward School of Management and Health Technology in Ogoja, Cross River State, on Saturday, February 8, 2025.
Okache received the honour alongside two other distinguished individuals, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Dr. Icha Mbotor.
The event was chaired by Prof. Ojua Takim, who also delivered the keynote address. Dr. Ben Nwankwo, Chairman of the Governing Council of AIPA, Accra, Ghana, led the induction ceremony.
In his speech, Dr. Nwankwo explained the importance of the CPA certification, stating, “The Certified Public Administrator (CPA) Certification is issued by the Africa Institute of Public Administration (AIPA) to standardise and advance Public Administration practices across Africa. It recognises expertise in Public Administration and the ability to manage complex projects while redefining public system management.”
Dr. Nwankwo added that the CPA certification helps professionals demonstrate superior knowledge, advance their careers, and prepare for leadership roles in the public sector.
Profile of Hon. Boniface Okache
Hon. Boniface Okache, CPA, FAIPA, was born in Okpoma, Yala Local Government Area, Cross River State. He is married with three children.
After completing his primary and secondary education in Okpoma, he went on to study at the School of Basic Studies in Akamkpa and obtained an IJMB advance level in Social Sciences in 1990. He later attended the University of Uyo, earning a Professional Certificate in Foreign Languages. From 1993 to 1997, he studied at the University of Calabar, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management, and a Master’s in Business Administration. He is currently pursuing an MSc in Development Sociology at the University of Calabar.
Okache has a long career in public service, including roles such as Audit Trainee with the Auditor General for Local Government, Head of Budget and Planning for the Unified Local Government Councils of Cross River State, and Commissioner for Oaths and Justice of the Peace.
He held key positions in local government and state administration, including Secretary to Yala Local Government (2010-2013), Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tank Farms (2016-2019), Special Adviser on Urban Renewal (2019-2023), and is currently the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor of Cross River State.
Okache has also attended various leadership and business training programmes in countries such as Ethiopia, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. He is the Chairman and CEO of Bio-Next Integrated Services Limited.
By Ebriku John Friday
