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Sen Odey Unveils New Book, Bags Second PhD
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
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NDDC At 25: Cross River’s Cynthia Oloko, 19, Emerges Second Place Winner At Miss Niger Delta 2025

...Deputy Governor, APC Chairman, and Senators Celebrate Her with Generous Cash Gifts
Miss Cynthia Iyowogoga Oloko, a 19-year-old from Cross River State, has emerged as the first runner-up (second place) at the Miss Niger Delta 2025 beauty pageant. The event, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was part of the 25th Anniversary celebrations of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Cynthia, a final-year student of Rivers State University of Science and Technology, where she studies Human Anatomy, competed alongside nine other contestants representing the nine states of the Niger Delta—Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.
Crowned with the title “Pride of the Niger Delta”, Cynthia received a cash prize of ₦7.5 million for placing second in the pageant.
In recognition of her achievement and the pride she has brought to Cross River State, several political leaders and dignitaries extended their support. The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Dr Peter Odey, gifted her ₦3 million, the APC State Chairman, Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, Esq., JP, contributed ₦1 million, while the state’s two Senators jointly supported her with another ₦3 million—bringing her total cash reward to ₦14.5 million.
According to the organisers, all nine contestants underwent intensive training and were empowered with skills and starter kits to help them become self-reliant and impactful in their communities.
The Miss Niger Delta pageant is designed not just as a beauty contest, but as a platform to empower young women across the region. It aims to nurture leadership, entrepreneurship, and community development among participants. The initiative is rooted in the belief that empowering women is key to building stronger families, communities, and society at large.
Many past participants have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs and community leaders. The programme, sponsored by the NDDC, is part of its commitment to identifying and nurturing young talents in the region.
This year’s overall winner received a brand-new car and ₦10 million, while the second runner-up (third place) received ₦5 million. The remaining six contestants each received ₦1 million as a consolation prize.
Miss Cynthia Oloko was born in 2005 to Engr. and Mrs Cosmas Oloko Ekawu. She attended Trailblazers Academy in Gwarinpa, Abuja. Her hobbies include swimming, running, networking, and travelling. She aspires to build a career in entrepreneurship and politics, with a strong passion for leadership and community development.
Congratulations Miss Cynthia
NEWS
Yala LG Boss Dissolves Revenue Agencies
The Chairman of Yala Local Government Area, Cross River State, Hon Dr Fred Okem has dissolved all revenue agencies operating in the Council with effect from 31st December 2024.

Hon Dr Fred Okem, Chairman Yala Local Government Area
This was contained in a release on Monday 6th January 2025 by the Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Unah.
The Chairman also cautioned that anyone who flouts the directive would be handed over to the security agencies for proper action in line with relevant laws.
The local government helmsman is expected to reposition the revenue agencies with the aim of boosting internally generated revenue in the council for adequate measures towards the development of Yala in line with the People First Agenda of the State government.
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NUJ FCT Chairman, Grace Ike Named Nigeria’s Media Personality of the Year 2024
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Ms. Grace Ike, has been named Nigeria’s Media Personality of the Year 2024. This prestigious recognition was conferred by the Editorial Board of Good Governance Today Nigeria at a grand ceremony held at the National Merit House, Abuja.

NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike
In addition to the honour, Ms. Ike was inducted into the Good Governance Today Nigeria Hall of Fame—a testament to her exemplary contributions to leadership and professional journalism in Nigeria.
The award acknowledges Ms. Ike’s uncommon leadership qualities and her unwavering commitment to advancing journalism as a tool for national development. Her selfless service to humanity, her state and the nation has made her a beacon of hope and inspiration for many.
Speaking at the event, the organiser and the managing editor of Governance Today , mr Sylvester Abudu Omose commended Ms. Ike’s visionary leadership and her remarkable strides in reshaping the landscape of journalism in Nigeria. Her relentless dedication to using journalism to advocate for transparency, justice, and public enlightenment was described as both inspiring and transformative.
“Ms. Grace Ike’s achievements transcend the ordinary. She has redefined what it means to serve humanity through journalism. Her work exemplifies the power of the media in fostering societal progress and governance,” the board stated.
In her acceptance speech, Ms. Ike represented by one of her media aides, mr Ademola Adepoju expressed her gratitude for the recognition and attributed her success to the collective efforts of her team at NUJ FCT Council and the support of stakeholders in the journalism community. She reiterated her commitment to promoting ethical journalism and upholding the values of truth, accountability, and service to humanity.
“This award is not just a recognition of my efforts but a call to do even more. Journalism is the lifeline of democracy, and we must continue to use it to uphold justice and transparency for the betterment of our society,” Ms. Ike remarked.
The event was attended by dignitaries from the media, government and civil society, who lauded Ms. Ike’s achievements and pledged continued support for initiatives that promote good governance and ethical journalism in Nigeria.
As Ms. Grace Ike steps into the Good Governance Today Nigeria Hall of Fame, her legacy as a leader, journalist, and advocate for humanity continues to inspire a new generation of professionals committed to making a difference in their communities and the nation at large.