JOHN UPAN ODEY – An Introduction

John Upan Odey

Birth and Parentage

Introducing our dear son, friend, and brother, John Upan Odey!

John was born on the 7th of December, 1977 into the family of Sir & Lady John Upan Odey (Snr) of Bebuabong Village of Urban 1, Obudu LGA of Cross River State.

His father was an astute and frontline educationist and community leader who always encouraged his people to get a good education by giving scholarships to so many Cross Riverians. He is remembered today for his love for his people and his dedication to seeing them get the greatest asset in life, a sound and quality education.

Upan (jnr) enjoyed a beautiful childhood, under strict supervision of catholic parents. Moral values of the Christian faith has guided and guarded him through life. Little wonder he has been exceptional in his academic life and leadership style!


Educational Background

He did his primary education in Obudu, and attended the Federal Government College, Ikom, Cross River State and obtained his West African School Certificate in distinctive colours in 1994.

Graduated from University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Microbiology in year 2000.

He later obtained his Masters in Business Administration (MBA) in 2010 from University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State.

In 2018, he acquired an Executive Certification in Infrastructure in the Market Economy, from Havard Kennedy School -USA

Work Experience

He began his professional career as a corps member in the defunct AfriBank between 2002 -2003. He was retained as an Executive Assistant. He quickly rose to the distinctive position of Pro – Manager/Relationship Manager in 2005, a reward for good leadership and excellent professional performance (in just 2 years).

From AfriBank, even during the banking layoffs experienced at that time in the banking sector, he was sought after by many banks. He moved to take greater responsibilities in EcoBank as Head of Private Banking Unit, between 2005 – 2007, again he performed beyond expectations and grew the assets and bank balance from 0 – about N2 Billion in less than a year!
His promotions grew rapidly, a reflection of professionalism, good interpersonal relations, excellent results and proactive service delivery...

He left Ecobank as a Senior Banking Officer in 2008 to once again take up greater responsibilities as Customer Relationship Manager (Head of Excel Banking) at Standard Chartered Bank. He rose to the position of Manager, Employee Banking (Abuja & North), a very sensitive position with great responsibility, only given to people with integrity, professionalism, and sincerity!

In this revered position, he encouraged many young Cross Riverians to take up banking and asset management as a profession, and made sure employment opportunities were open to thousands of Cross Riverians. He employed many…between 2011 – 2013.

Again, promotion came knocking and he was elevated, became Team Lead, Business Clients Acquisition 2013 – 2016.
He once again took up more responsibilities as Group Head, Retail Banking at one of Nigeria’s biggest and oldest banks, Union Bank of Nig. Plc, from 2016 – December, 2017.

He was really admired by his colleagues, employers and friends everywhere he worked. This was reflected on the very lavish and awesome send-forth organized by Union Bank Management and Staff in his honour, when he resigned in December, 2017 to participate in active politics.

He is the Founder and CEO of Green Prism Investment Ltd.

Founder, LeaderShift Movement, a political platform that encourages youth participation in politics, and the promotion of good governance in Nigerian

Professional Membership

Member, Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) – Proficiency Certificate in Management

Member, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.

Political Life

H.E as fondly called by friends and admirers, launched himself into political limelight in 2011 when he resigned from the bank (briefly) to seek to represent Obudu/Obanliku/Bekwarra Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives under the progressive platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). An election marred by gross electoral malpractices.

He won the admiration of all, including his opponents, due to his display of his calm, wisdom, and exceptional leadership qualities.

From then, while building his professional profile and gaining multiple promotions and experience, he has been a strong supporter of the progressives, a foundation member of the APC, and a Leader.

In 2017, he resigned from a very distinctive and high-paying position (with attendant privileges) as Group Head, Retail Banking to present himself for service to his people, as Governor, Cross River State!

Family Life

He is a dedicated family man and a doting father of three.

His Vision

A new Cross River State where socio-economic challenges are non-existent; quality of life, healthcare, employment, youth and women empowerment will take their deserving predominant space.

His Mission

To revive and transform Cross River State into the no 1 investment destination in Africa by harnessing our potentials and utilizing our comparative advantage of hospitality, rich natural (soil, climate, weather, and environment), and human resources…

John Upan Odey’s blueprint for a New Cross River State will be made available soon.

Thank you and God bless.

#ThinkCrossRiver!
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