By Kelvin Obambon
Despite the caliber of individuals that graced the 37th convocation ceremony of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) on Saturday 22 March, 2025, Rt Hon Orok Duke, the Commissioner representing Cross River State in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) stole the show with panache that cladded it in beauty, elegance and class.
Duke, who was one of those conferred with a doctorate degree, was ubiquitous at the University of Calabar International Conference Center, venue of the event. He was literally the cynosure of eyes because he arguably had the largest number of guests in attendance.
Among those who came to celebrate with him were family members, friends, associates, media practitioners and members of Tinkoriko, a sociocultural group he founded and nurtured for more than three decades ago. The group was led by its president, Prof. Emmanuel Eyo.
While others convoked and left the venue unnoticed at the end of the ceremony, Dr Orok Duke’s departure took the 37th convocation to its crescendo. The Tinkoriko group massing in their hundreds, rolled out the drums to celebrate their own to the admiration of everyone around. They had a procession, walking with their patron from the Conference Center to the Main Gate of the University of Calabar, and then assembled at the Amayo Duke School, Efut, where they were treated to a grand reception.
This elaborate show of solidarity and camaraderie underscores Dr Orok Duke’s immense social capital and his capacity to bring people together for social good. His name resonates very well among youths, especially in Calabar, where Tinkoriko is leveraged to build harmony and ensure peaceful coexistence among youths from various social, cultural and political backgrounds.
His academic achievement is a testament to his insatiable thirst for knowledge, and one cannot help but congratulate him on this milestone.
