By Our Reporter
The Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on General Duties, Barrister Ekpenyong Akiba, as well as the Executive Secretary of the Calabar Urban Development Authority (CUDA), Chief Ayi Etim Effiong have bagged Honorary Doctorate Degree.
The Apostolic Church Bible College and Seminary (ACBCS), which affiliates with University of Calabar (UNICAL), conferred the honour on Barrister Akiba and Chief Effiong during its 21st, 22nd and 23rd convocation ceremony which took place at the College premises in Calabar last week.
The institution said the honour was in recognition of their remarkable efforts towards human capital development, service to humanity and contributions to the advancement of Cross River State and Nigeria in general.
Speaking at the occasion, Barr Akiba, a young cerebral lawyer and astute politician, thanked the institution for the honour and promised to continue to contribute his quota to educational advancement, knowledge acquisition and the progress of Christendom.
He also thanked Governor Otu and the first lady, Mrs. Eyoanwan Otu, for their support and love.
“Thank you, Your Excellency, for all your love and support. We are most grateful Sir. I also thank the first lady, Her Excellency, wife of the governor, Mrs. Eyoanwan Otu, for the platform offered me to serve the people. I thank all those who created time out of their tight schedule to be at the occasion to celebrate me.
“The Honorary Doctorate Degree Award is an encouragement for me to continue to serve the people of Cross River State with great zeal and determination. Leadership and promotion come with greater responsibilities. I will continue to do more to serve the people,” he stated.
On his part, Chief Effiong said the honour done them would boost their resolve to do more for the people of Cross River state and therefore commended the Governor for giving them opportunity to serve, which, according to him, has paved the way for them to get recognition and promotion.
On ground to witness the conferment were the Chief of Staff, Mr. Emmanuel Ironbar, lawmaker representing Calabar Municipality/Odukpani Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rep. Bassey Akiba and many other dignitaries.
