By Inyali Peter
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, (UNICAL) Professor Zana Akpagu and a former member of the House of Representatives representing Obudu/Obanliku/Bekwarra federal constituency, Honorable Paul Adah have been conferred with the highest traditional titles in Obudu by the Traditional Rulers Council (TRC) of that local government area of northern Cross River State.
CrossRiverWatch had reported that Mr. Adah will be bestowed with the title.
The Paramount Ruler, Uti Joseph Davis Agba in his remarks said that the awardees were nominated for the recognition because of their sterling performances in their respective careers as well as their immense contribution to the sociopolitical and economic development of Obudu.
He said that the title “Unwa-Ushie Kubudu” is the highest traditional title that this council can award to any of our sons and daughters. It is usually reserved for people of proven integrity who have excelled in their chosen careers, and have displayed an uncommon commitment to the services of humanity in general, and Obudu in particular.
“You will agree with me that Council has made no mistake in selecting our two sons: Professor Zana Akpagu and Honorable Paul Adah in whose honor we are gathered today, possess all these qualities and are therefore qualified to hold the title. Their nominations followed a very transparent and meticulous process, having watched their private and public life style over a couple of years,” the monarch said.
While calling on other Obudu sons and daughters who are yet to be recognised to borrow a leaf from the duo, the monarch sued for people to always use every opportunity to improve the lives of the people.
“There’s no disputing fact that apart from excelling in their various fields of endeavors, these our two illustrious sons have used both their past and present offices to greatly and positively transform the lives of a large number of people from Obudu, particularly the youths, by way of employment and other forms of empowerment. This has distinguished them above other very successful sons and daughters of Obudu.
“I therefore call on all those whose efforts is yet to be recognised by this council to borrow a leaf from them and I further urge all our sons and daughters at home and diaspora, to always think back home. You should remember that home is home and use every opportunity you have to improve the lives of your brothers and sisters and for the infrastructural development of the local government,” Uti, who is Africa’s longest monarch.
The chairman of the occasion, Dr. Abu Undiadeye in his remarks charged the awardees to use their influence in the society to ensure a lasting solution to the Obudu-Tiv crisis which he said has lingered for ages.
He said that: “This recognition today is a call to do more. Among other things, we urge our awardees to work with relevant authorities to ensure a lasting solution to the lingering crisis between Obudu and some Benue state communities”.
The awardees in their separate remarks thanked the TRC for finding them worthy for the prestigious awards even as they promised to continue to do their best to better the lives of the people.
“I feel very honored today for this award, this has shown that even our people back home appreciate our little contribution towards the development of our great local government. We will continue to do more each time we have the opportunity,” Mr. Adah said.
For Akpagu, “this recognition is a huge assignment we have been given. It’s a call for us to do more and we will continue to do our best each time we have the opportunity to.”
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