By Kelvin Obambon
Bisu Development Union (BIDU), the umbrella body of all Bisu sons and daughters residing in Calabar, held an official ceremony on Saturday 14 December, 2024, to mark and celebrate Bisu Day, bringing together eminent personalities to chart the way forward for the development of Bisu who are predominantly and ancestrally geo-located in Obanliku local government area of Cross River State.
The event which took place at the Pyramid Hotel, Calabar, was a forum for cross-fertilization of ideas and discussions that focus on improved socioeconomic conditions and enhanced livelihoods for Bisu sons and daughters at home and outside.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Occasion, Prof. Augustine Ogogo, thanked the executives of BIDU for their commitment towards sustaining the ideal of the founding fathers of the Union, which according to him, is to unite Bisu people for development in all spheres of human endeavours.
Prof. Ogogo described Bisu Day Celebration as “remarkable”, adding “It’s something that aims to encourage the young ones to learn so they can distinguish themselves in their chosen professions.”
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He expressed confidence in the capacity of the younger generation to sustain the remarkable legacy of Bisu, whose history is replete with many ‘firsts’ in Obanliku local government area.
“When you are first, you’ll become a target because everybody will want to strive to overtake you. It happens even in football. If you are the best then you become the person to beat. There’s no doubt that other communities are coming up to overtake Bisu. But our younger ones are doing very well.
“We have set the stage and provided the platforms. A number of them are hardworking and I believe they are capable of keeping the pace. I urge Bisu to keep working hard. They should continue to encourage their children to go to school. They should also delve into other areas of endeavour. Now agriculture is paying very well,” he said.
In his address, the President Bisu Development Union, Calabar branch, Barr. Dave Uyimleshi, said the event was to strengthen the bond of unity, re-ignite and rejuvenate the Utemke spirit of ‘Une-Umanse’ which Bisu is always known for. He said that Bisu remains the hub of innovative ideas and academic excellence and continues to take the front seat in any discourse and major events in Obanliku local government area.
“If for no other reason, we should continue to be grateful to God Almighty that Bisu is trialblazer in Obanliku having recorded many firsts as follows: 1st Graduate in Obanliku, 1st Prof. in Obanliku, 1st Prof. of Medicine in Obanliku,1st Leader of Council, 1st Navy Commodore/General in the Nigerian Armed Forces, 1st Police Academy Graduate,
1st Ph.D Holder in Physics/Graduate in Automobile, Acting Governor. You can name the rest in many other fields of endeavors.
“A gathering of this nature brings back the feeling of oneness and brotherliness amongst us. There is therefore, great joy in my heart today as we share the old memories of love, peace, friendship and brotherhood amongst ourselves; those factors that have always bound us together as one indivisible, powerful and indomitable Utemke Nation.
“As the BIDU President Calabar branch, with my team of very hardworking, dedicated and result-oriented EXCO Members, we are particularly delighted by the privilege and opportunity given to us to serve at this level. We are very conscious of the enormous task and responsibility that lie ahead of us in our quest to leave an indelible mark on the sands of history.
“I stand before you today on behalf of my EXCO to make this one solemn promise to our founding fathers of BIDU Calabar branch that we shall leave BIDU better than we met it. Thus the task to hand over a more united, formidable and progressive BIDU to the generation after us is a task that must be accomplished with your support and co-operation,” he said.
Highlights of the event were the presentation of awards to illustrious sons of Bisu who have distinguished themselves in their various callings and the launch of BIDU Calabar transportation scheme known as Utemke Shuttles. The event also featured talks on Bisu Nation and the way forward, youth and career development – the Nigerian reality, goodwill messages, among others.
Below is a list of the awardees and the categories of awards:
1. Prof. Augustine Ogogo (honoured with an academic excellence award for being the first Professor from Obanliku LGA)
2. Assoc. Prof. Sylvester Abeshi (honoured with an academic excellence award for being the first professor of Medicine from Obanliku LGA)
3. Navy Commodore Anthony Victor Kujoh (honoured with an award of excellence for being the first Navy Commodore/General of the Nigerian Armed Forces from Obanliku LGA)
4. Engr. (Prince) Martin A. Item (honoured with an Achiever’s Award for being a very young achiever from Obanliku LGA)
5. Mr. Elias Animpuye Ayeshung (honoured with Leadership Award for being the longest serving president of BIDU Calabar branch)
6. Hon. Akpi Alalitiemse Unwanede (honoured with an award of excellence for being the first Leader of Obanliku LGC)
7. Dr. Umu Akamusu Unwanede (honoured with an award of resilience for his resilient spirit/leadership)
8. Mr Godwin Ugar Akpachim (honoured with Leadership Award for his service/leadership of BIDU Calabar Branch)
9. Dr. Denis Achung Uyanah (honoured with Human Capital Development Award for his Human Capital Development/Leadership in Obanliku LGA)
10. Mr. Pius Igbolo (honoured with Patron’s Award for being a patron of BIDU Calabar Branch)