Akpagu, wife bag Bekwarra traditional titles

Prof. Zana Akpagu and wife, Mrs. Winnie Akpagu

Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar,  Unical, Prof. Zana Akpagu and wife, Mrs. Winnie Akpagu have been conferred with highly revered traditional titles by the council of Chiefs of Bekwarra local government area of Cross River State 

The conferment ceremony was held on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at St. Christopher Primary School, Abouchiche, Bekwarra.

While Prof. Akpagu was conferred with the title of His Highness, Okungboo1 of Bekwerra meaning the "Touch Bearer", his wife bagged the "Unye Okungboo" of Bekwarra meaning, the Woman of Light of Bekwerra nation.

Speaking at the event, Paramount Ruler and Chairman of the Council of Chiefs of the local government, His Royal Majesty, Ushie Ebeshe K'akpa11, Odey Linus Ogbeche said that the honour was in recognition of his giant strides since assuming office as the 10th VC of Unical.

He commended the Vice Chancellor for the establishment of new facilities and programmes especially the faculties of Pharmacy, Engineering, Dentistry and Environmental sciences even as he said that Bekwerra sons and daughters have benefited hugely under his administration.

The monarch also lauded Prof. Akpagu for influencing Microfinance Bank to the local government saying that "we pray that he should speed up the completion of the  ongoing Unical finance bank. He has done well by bringing the bank to Bekwerra because we are in a disadvantaged area where there is no single bank in the entire local government".

He added that "For us as people, we believe that your goodwill has left indelible marks in the history book of the University of Calabar and in the minds of our people. We are grateful for the smiles you have brought to many Bekwerra homes by way of employment which translates to development in all ramification.

"We have not lost sight of the accelerated elevation of our numerous indigenes to Professorial and other higher status in the field of academics in the system, among others.

"These good works of yours will surely speak volume for you tomorrow especially, as it is our desire that you occupy greater positions of leadership in the future. We pledge our unalloyed support to you and your administration"

Reacting, Prof. Akpagu commended the Bekwerra nation for the honour noting that the recognition was an assignment given to him to work harder and do more.

"I want to thank all of you for the conferment of this title on me and my wife. This has been coming but today it finally came. 

Honestly, I don't think I deserve this honour and many more I have received. This to me is a call and an assignment to do more and so I want to appeal to all of you to pray for me to have the enablement to do more".