Akpagu, Adah bag Obudu highest traditional titles

From R-L : Rt Hon. Paul and wife, Uti Ukani Joseph Davis Agba and Prof. Zana Akpagu and wife.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Unical, Prof. Zana Akpagu and former member of House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Paul Adah have been conferred with the highest traditional titles in Obudu by the Traditional Rulers Council of the Obudu local government area of Cross River State.

Paramount Ruler of Obudu, Uti Ukani Joseph Davis Agba, OON  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 of Obudu" 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.

Prof. Akpagu receiving certificate from the Paramount Ruler of Obudu, Uti Joseph Davis Agba

"You will agree with me that Council has made no mistake in selecting our two sons: Prof. Zana Akpagu and Rt. Hon. Paul Adah in whose honour 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".

While calling on other Obudu sons and daughters who are yet to be recognized to borrow a leaf from the dou, the Paramount Ruler called on all Obudu 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 recognized 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 Ukani said.

Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Abu Undiadeye while delivering his opening 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".

Rt. Hon. Paul Adah receiving staff of office from the Paramount Ruler of Obudu.

The awardees in their separate remarks thanked the traditional rulers council 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.

On his part, Prof. Akpagu said that " 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".