By Paul Ojeka
Similarly, he has broken the glass ceiling, defying all odds. He has overcome numerous factors and constraints to alter the age-old aphorism that a prophet is honoured everywhere except in his family, hometown, and beyond.
For precision, he is honoured and revered in his family as a pillar of the home. He copiously delivers on his parental role as a unifier, provider, protector, and paraclete. Indeed, he is the impartial head of the family, loved and respected by all connected to him through family ties.
In Yache, his hometown, he is widely known by the honorary title: Oyorgu1 of Yache, which means an effective and efficient capacity-filled personage and rescuer personality. This title likens him to Moses in the Bible, one with the salvific role of leading his people out of bondage.
To say the least, in virtually all five major clans in Yache, there is a title for him based on his sociological perspective, as he responds to the needs of the community. Recently, in unanimity, he was christened: Iyella1 of Yache, a title that defines him as the Light of the community.
These numerous titles underscore his popularity, acceptance, and unflinching inputs in the socioeconomic revolution of Yache. Recall that over the years, Yache was completely relegated to socioeconomic stagnation, sandwiched between political marginalization and infrastructural underdevelopment, until his emergence as the topmost political figure with a top-notch agenda to pull Yache out of the woods!
Interestingly, there is now visibility of government presence, evident in the ongoing road construction, availability of political appointments, and civil service jobs. Opportunities abound, with newly constructed school plants and heightened awareness and activeness in political participation.
As a result, his selfless investments of time and resources in distributing empowerment tools have paid off. He has set the people free from the darkness of political ignorance, apathy, and disdain for politics.
Consequently, Yache now churns out almost the highest vote cast across the wards in the 18 Local Government Areas of the state. In the last general election, it boasted higher vote casts in some Local Government Areas, with the votes in the entire wards put together.
With his Rescue Mission mantra guiding him, he has excelled in public service. As Cross River SUBEB Chairman, he recorded breathtaking reforms, unprecedented in the history of Cross River State’s education subsector. He achieved giant strides in renovating and building schools across the state, improving academic standards, and enhancing teachers’ welfare.
The same feat was recorded during his tenure as Acting Managing Director, Cross River State Water Board Ltd (CRSWBL). These achievements earned him numerous awards from prestigious educational communities, reputable groups, associations, and corporate organizations.
Meanwhile, he has received dignifying titles across communities in the Northern Senatorial District of Cross River State.
Senator (Associate Prof) Stephen Odey has built himself properly for the onerous administrative task as Commissioner for Education. He enjoys the reputation of being a “triple former”: former senator, former CR-SUBEB Chairman, and former Acting Managing Director of Cross River State Water Board Ltd (CRSWBL). He holds seven degrees, including two Doctorate Degrees: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Sociology and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Law.
Others include Master of Law (LL.M), Master of Science in Industrial Sociology, B.L. from the Nigerian Law School, Abuja, Nigeria, Bachelor of Law (LL.B Hons.) Second Class Upper Division, and Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) Honours.
Currently, under his watch as Cross River State Commissioner for Education, he is replicating similar reforms achieved as Cross River SUBEB Chairman through his Rescue Mission mantra. With his meticulous service culture, supported by the firm support of the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, he has recorded breathtaking strides.
These strides are noticeable in his control of sharp practices, such as illegal collection of fees by some school administrators, closure of illegal schools, free registration of secondary school students in NECO/WAEC, uniform resumption dates for all primary and secondary schools in the state, and ensuring effective service delivery by teachers to achieve educational goals and objectives.
The evidence is clear: the recent improvement in performance of students in their WAEC and NECO exams.
In the 9th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, while representing the Northern Cross River Senatorial District, he was a standout performer. Adjudged one of the most vibrant senators due to his active participation and valid contributions in various committees, including legislative tasks on the floor of the House, he sponsored five bills and moved two motions of critical national interest.
Apparently, the numerous awards from reputable formal organizations, clubs, and institutions, with incorruptible measurements and evaluation tools, underscore the honour he enjoys from his family, the Yache Nation, subnational and national governments, and even beyond Africa’s borders – thanks to his notable scholarly publications in reputable international journals.
This colossus, an academic giant, astute administrator, legal luminary, maverick politician, ambassador of the poor, and effective public servant, is not only a source of pride for his family, Yache, Cross River North, and Nigeria, but also for humanity at large, given his vast influence that extends far beyond his immediate community.
