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| Sen. Stephen Odey |
Hon Odi Omagu, the All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain has eulogised Senator, Dr Stephen Adi Odey on the epoch standard reception accorded him by the Yache nation on his appointment as Commissioner for Education by Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu.
Speaking with newsmen in Yache where he graced the grand reception ceremony, the businessman said the array of personalities that attended the reception ceremony is an explication of the fact that Senator Odey is an exceptional figure loved not only by his kinsmen but also adored outside the shores of his home for his outstanding character and excellent performance in positions he has held.
The event which was graced by prominent dignitaries including the governor of the state , Senator Prince Bassey Otu who was represented by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, all the Commissioners in the Cross River State Executive Council, business men, traditional rulers ,women groups, youth groups, social influencers and thousands of Yache indigenes at home and in the diaspora was a carnival of sorts.
The Speaker of the State House of Assembly who stood in for Governor Otu extolled the virtues of Senator Odey as a man with a strong personality who can turn things around for anyone. Using himself as a veritable example, Ayambem said, as a son of “a nobody”, whom many did not believe could amount to much in life, Senator Odey stood behind him and assisted him financially and morally to become the Speaker.
He likened Odey to miracle worker who in spite of his towering image can come down to relate with anyone at anytime which is the reason he is a veritable asset in the mobilisation of people at critical time.
The State Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Justin Beshel in his speech said Senator Odey has brought life to the Education sector in the state. “Without his innovation and ideas, the sector would have been comatose by now. He listens, acts, and supports ideas that can enthrone innovation in the sector which is why we are experiencing rapid transformation in education in the state”
He said though Odey is a a national figure haven been a Senator who made great impact in the red chamber, he still brings himself down to relate with everyone.
The State Commissioner for Works called on the teeming crowd to be patient as the government is putting in place plans for the construction of the Yache road and Akreha bridge , stating that Odey is an asset whom the governor holds in high esteem and as such everything would be made to make his people happy.
Chairman of the Reception Organising Committee, Hon Odey Onah of the famous Odonah pharmacy in his speech said the essence of the reception is to give honour to whom honour is due. He asserted that Senator Odey has consistently been a reliable figure in the human capital development of Yache nation and also in bringing infrastructure to the area which makes it imperative for the people to honour him.
“Dr Odey is loved across the Yache nation. The land and people of Yache hold him in high esteem for the love he has for the entire Yache nation which is the reason the people have cone out in their entirety to honour and celebrate him.”
He said Senator Odey has personally affected the lives of virtually everyone in the land of Yache which is the reason when he gives information for a project to be accomplished, everyone responds with despatch.
Chief Okaka , David Idiku ( former Secretary, Yala Local Government Area) and Saint Augustine Adula, both political faithful of Senator Odey played vital roles in enhancing the success of the event.
Two gifted children who displayed their talent spoke glowingly of Senator Odey how he has made education available and attractive to children and young people by building schools , paying unscheduled visits to schools, a practice which has made teachers and principal of schools situp.
The children received accolades and financial gifts running into millions from the audience for their excellent performance and display of talents.
Senator Odey in his speech , which was the icing on the cake crowned the moment by expressing profound gratitude to the Yache people, his principal, Senator Bassey Otu and the dignitaries who graced the event. He assured his unalloyed loyalty to the governor and the people promising to work with everyone to lift the state to higher heights.
He revealed that he accepted to become a commissioner after serving as Senator of the Federal Republic in order to join hands with others to lift the state higher. He also said his being in the State Executive Council would accord him the opportunity to join the voices of his Yache people to agitate for their needs and infrastructural development.
This is the second time in less than five years that the Yache nation. has organised such a ceremony for Senator Odey. The mammoth crowd, the palpable joy and show of love for him by the people clearly testify to how dear he is to the people. A man who finds time to attend every burial, every wedding, every event that concerns his people has clearly become their solidarity point reason there is a harvest of votes in this area. during elections
Senator Odey holds two doctorate degrees: PhD in Law and another in Industrial Sociology He has worked in m many places including being a Senator and Chairman State Universal Basic Education. He also served as Acting General Manager, Cross River State Water Board while he was SUBEB Chairman. His midas touch, experience and commitment to high values have restored high standards in the Cross River State Education sector.
He handed out three million naira to the Yache Clans and an envelope to each of the five local government areas in the northern district for their Easter celebration celebration.
Two musicians including the famous comedian, Gordons featured in the event making it exciting and memorable