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Tag: #Zana Akpagu

  • Zana Akpagu Set To Defect To The PDP As Sen Jarigbe Holds Town Hall Meetings

    Zana Akpagu Set To Defect To The PDP As Sen Jarigbe Holds Town Hall Meetings

     

    The former Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, and one time aspirant for the Cross River Northern Senatorial District bye-election, under the All Progressive Congress APC, Prof Zana Akpagu, has declared support for Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe and noted that when they go back, he will discuss with Engr Jacob and plan a bigger rally for defection from the All Progressive Congress APC to the People’s Democratic Party PDP.

    The former UNICAL Vice Chancellor, made this known during the town hall meeting organized by Sen Jarigbe Agom with his constituents yesterday May 25th 2025 at the various venues where the town hall meetings held.

    The excited Prof Akpagu, was reacting to the overwhelming demonstration of love and support for Sen Jarigbe Agom, by the people of Bekwarra Local Government Area, when he sighted Engr Jacob, one of Bekwarra Prominent sons who is a member of the All Progressive Congress APC, came out in solidarity with Sen Jarigbe Agom, on the basis of performance.

    In his words “I want to thank you all for this show of love you have shown to your son Sen Jarigbe Agom. I congratulate you for this solidarity. When we go back, we will discuss with Engr Jacob and plan a bigger rally for defection. I won’t move alone I will bring him to the PDP”.

    Earlier, the former university don, had told his kingsmen in Obudu that it was witchcraft for anyone not to identify with a performing leader like Sen Jarigbe Agom.

    He informed that he took Sen Jarigbe unaware and jumped into the bus with him and he will follow him through the five local government areas for the town hall meetings and he is sure that Sen Jarigbe won’t drive him away.

    He averred that “I will come to my PDP ward chairman, the chapter Chairman and perfect my membership registration process and then defect formally. For now I’m an illegal member”.

    The state party Chairman of the PDP, Mr Vena Ikem Esq, described Prof Akpagu as an uncommon Vice Chancellor, who used the office to empower Cross Riverians.

    He said Ipong ward was blessed with two leaders, one a governor and the other a Vice Chancellor and both occupied a place of prominence. While the former governor was busy doing food on the table, Prof Zana preoccupied his thought process with giving people live long employments.

    Reacting to the development, Mr Udie Mike, who spoke on behalf of Obudu, noted that the biggest achievement in Obudu by Sen Jarigbe is the return of the former Vice Chancellor, Prof Zana Akpagu to the PDP. He assured that with the performance of the senator, more of the APC members are ready to defect to the PDP.

    A foundation member of the PDP, Prof Zana Akpagu, was two time commissioner during Sen Liyel Imoke.

    The former Vice Chancellor is said to have given appointment to not less than 10 persons in each of the 54 political wards in Northern Senatorial District.

     

     

  • UNICAL : Reminiscing Prof Akpagu’s Legacies One Year After Leaving Office As VC BY INYALI PETER

    UNICAL : Reminiscing Prof Akpagu’s Legacies One Year After Leaving Office As VC BY INYALI PETER

     

     

    Today, December 1, 2021, marks exactly one year since Prof. Zana Akpagu bowed out in style as Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Calabar (Unical), after serving out his illustrious and projects laden five-year single term.

     

    Prof. Akpagu made history in December 1, 2015 when he assumed office as the first alumnus Vice Chancellor of the University. Being the first “true” Unical blood to attain the exalted position of VC, much was expected of him.

     

    By the time he handed over in 2020, the University community knew that, truly, one of them had tested power. His five-year tenure was characterized with projects within and outside the University, employment opportunities for teeming youths, research breakthrough for staff, etc.

     

    He handed over a University in a very stable condition in terms of physical infrastructure, research and development, security, etc.

     

    Although a lot was said about his administration’s investment in infrastructure, one area that much wasn’t heard about was improvement of the University’s budget and internally generated revenue.

     

    Understanding the importance of finances to the development of the University, Prof. Akpagu ensured he improved the internally generated revenue of the University to over a billion naira in a year by investing in entrepreneurship and diversifying the University’s source of revenue.

     

    Like many Universities in Nigeria, Unical was majorly funded through school fee and other charges students pay. To remove the pressure from students and overcome the temptation of increasing students levies and charges to improve revenue generation, Akpagu opened other sources of revenue for the institution.

     

    For instance, he invested and expanded the Unical Water services to be producing water in commercial quantities to serve the entire Unical community and state. He also upgraded the unit to a full directorate thereby giving it the platform to function effectively.

     

    He also invested in Unical Paint and expanded the production capacity to a commercial level. Before he left office, Unical was producing paint in commercial quantity.

     

    During the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Akpagu’s administration also took advantage of the situation and ventured into Hand Santizer production. Unical Hand Sanitizer was a hot cake and orders were coming for the product within and outside the state.

     

    Similarly, Akpagu shot the University’s Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) budget to the third highest in the country in 2020 through his effective utilization of the funds that were previously voted to the University. Perhaps, his rating as the beat VC in utilization of TETFUND funds by visiting TETFUND officials played a huge part in achieving improved budget allocation for the University.

     

    In terms of security, his cordial relationship with students, staff and host community helped him address the issues of Kidnapping in staff quarters, cultism, theft, amongst others. He also built a standard Police Station at the University Staff quarters to help curb insecurity.

     

    To make Unical’s offering more appealing to the contemporary Labour demands, Akpagu embarked on massive programme expansion by creating new faculties and departments. Although, he was enable to get full accreditation for some of the programme, it’s still on record that he’s the first VC in Nigeria to get full accreditation for faculty of Dentistry in its very first presentation.

     

    In terms of infrastructure, as earlier stated, his name was synonymous to projects. At some points, he as nick named Mr. Projects owing to his massive investments in infrastructural development.

     

    Under his watch, Unical always had one hundred percent in Environment during accreditation. He replaced ornaments that were as old or even older than the University with more alluring ones. This explains why the institution was rated as one of the cleanest Universities in Nigeria in his time.

     

    Apart from bringing facelift to the university’s environment, during festive seasons, Akpagu made the University an alluring tourists sites by wearing it a serene ambience from the gate through the boulevard to the main campus with state-of-the-art Chrisman decorations. Fun seekers and tourists always troop in in their numbers to take pictures, make skit, etc.

     

    As human, Akpagu’s regime was not without flaws but his successes outweighed his flaws. This explains why one year after leaving office as Vice Chancellor, his name has continued to reverberate at every nook and cranny of the University.

     

    He may not be in power again but even his greatest critics can’t deny the legacies he left behind or the fact that he put Unical in the pedestal of sustainable development that’ll forever be remembered.

  • No Amount Of Blackmail Will Change Akpagu’s Legacies – Unical Staff

    No Amount Of Blackmail Will Change Akpagu’s Legacies – Unical Staff

     

    Some staff of the University of Calabar, Unical have raised alarm that some disgruntled elements who felt they didn’t benefit enough from the administration of the immediate past Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Zana Akpagu are sponsoring smear campaign against him.

    Speaking on the condition of anonymity, they warned those behind the blackmail to desist from it and repent adding that their campaign won’t change the fact that Akpagu was and still remain the best Vice Chancellor of the University since its inception.

    One of them, a former Director in the university said that, “what is happening in Unical is very shameful. It is shameful in the sense that some cabal in the University, most of whom Prof. Akpagu gave name in the university, in a bit to show the current leadership loyalty have resorted to sponsoring smear campaign against him on social media.

    “Yesterday, I stumbled on one where they even claimed the University was given COVID-19 funds but was stolen under his administration. The FG announced resumption of school when Akpagu had almost left. And besides, when did they give the money when we were on strike throughout the peak of the pandemic? Even when we called off the strike, school didn’t resume immediately”.

    He added that “to succeed in pulling Akpagu down, they should go and undo all the faculties and departments he created, break all the gigantic buildings he built, destroy the roads he rehabilitated, make the University insecure. They should just do away with everything he did in Unical because it’s only then they can succeed”.

    Another, a Professor in the school of medical sciences who also didn’t want his name mentioned for fear of victimization said that fighting Akpagu is like fighting the wind because his performances will remain very tall in the history book of the University.

    According to him, “let me tell you, what is happening in Unical today cannot happen in the West or North. The other day I saw that they setup committee to investigate the employment done by Akpagu. What a shame. I was in Nasarawa State for an assignment when I saw one big man with 74 employment letters for his people. Most of those people didn’t even apply for jobs. We’ve not heard noise like we’re hearing in Unical.

    “I’m not a Cross Riverian but I know that Akpagu did everything within his power to employ qualified Cross River indigenes in Unical. It wasn’t like that before. Now, you setup a commitee with a predetermined agenda to sack all the people he has employed because you feel he didn’t support you to become Vice Chancellor. Are you doing him or the innocent people you want to render jobless?

    “Even if Akpagu was a devil, being the first alumnus to become VC, he deserves better. He deserves some respect. I’m not saying Akpagu is a saint but who is that saint that wants to cast the first stone? The current VC has made history as the first woman just like Akpagu did as the first alumnus, what we expect is that she should complement the efforts of her predecessor, where she see loopholes, correct and not try to wipe out the memories of him because she doesn’t know who will come after her “.

    Another who simply introduced himself as Dr. Effiom said that “when I came here, many people tried to poison my mind that the VC was fighting Akwa Ibom people but I later saw that that wasn’t the case. He employed me even when we have never met before. And if you check what Zana has done, you’ll struggle to justify why some people think they should bring him down by all means. He made some mistakes which is normal as human but what do they stand to benefit from all these? Cross River people should learn from the North. They like fighting themselves too much.

    “I know he was a tough guy but to achieve what he did, he needed to be tough. I saw one funny writeup about him increasing acceptance fee or running a no fee, no exams policy. These things are makebelief stories to misinform the public. No Vice Chancellor, no matter how powerful can take these decisions single handedly. These are Senate decisions and the University Senate compromised of intellectuals, Professors who don’t look at any body’s face to talk.

    “Another funny issue I hear them talk about is that he didn’t implement promotion arrears. I don’t know where they get these kinds of stories from but the truth is that, there’s no Senate in Unical history that has promoted more people to professorial rank like the one under Zana.

    “Also, remember that the federal government had more influence on salary payment under Zana than any other administration before him. When the government was paying incomplete salaries, people said it was Zana. If there were issues with promotion arrears, then it was with government not him. Now there’s IPPIS, would you blame the current VC over some people that are being short payed?

    “My appeal is for those looking for favour from the new administration to look for other means of doing that. Distracting the new VC or poisoning her mind against her former boss whom she served under as Deputy is not doing anybody any good. It’s just too early. If these things are not properly managed, don’t forget that Zana still enjoys strong support in the university. If his supporters start talking, the University not Zana will be the biggest victim “.

  • C’River North APC Ticket : Agi Only Holding Brief For Me, Akpagu Breaks Silence

    C’River North APC Ticket : Agi Only Holding Brief For Me, Akpagu Breaks Silence

    By Inyali Peter

    The winner of the All Progressives Congress, APC Cross River North Senatorial primary, Prof. Zana Akpagu has said that he remains the legally nominated candidate of the party for the October 31st bye-election.

    Akpagu who spoke for the first time since the September 3rd APC primaries said that he’s not bothered by the decision of the party to forward another name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as candidate, assuring that his “stolen’ mandate will be retrieved.

    It will be recalled that Akpagu who’s the outgoing Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar (Unical) was declared winner of the primary at the collation centre in Ogoja by the Senatorial Returning Officers but Chairman of the panel, Alhaji Suleiman Nakowa later announced Joe Agi who came second in the election as winner in Abuja.

    Since the development, they have been disenchantment within the APC in Cross River with some members even threatening to mobilize against the party in the election if the winner of the primary is not allowed to fly the ticket.

    But Akpagu has urged his supporters not to panic as he was in the process of reclaiming the ticket.

    According to him: “the events of the past four weeks regarding our great party’s ticket for Cross River North has not been really palatable for every lover of democracy but we expected it as darkness and light are constantly in disagreement. For some reasons, I decided to remain quite and calm but my calmness at some point has been misconstrued for something else, hence my decision to speak through this address.

    A lot has happened and happening in our great party regarding the ticket for Senate bye-election. Our victory in the party’s primaries is already in the public domain but for whatever reason, the party through the instrumentality of some strong individuals who are tacitly working with the opposition to frustrate our Party’s chances of winning elections in the state decided to substitute my name for my brother who came second to me.

    The development has been shocking but expected. They may have succeeded in sending a wrong name to INEC as candidate but I can assure you that it’s just for a moment. It’s not yet uhuru for them because their candidate is only holding brief for us”.

    He added that “We’re more confident now than ever that the party has learned some lessons from the ugly Zamfara and Rivers States scenarios as such would not want to trade in such paths again especially now that it’s rebranding. APC cannot continue to blow its chances of winning elections by imposing people who were never properly nominated as candidate.

    If we lost in the field, we’ll have accepted defeat as democracy is all about the people. But since we did not, we’re not going to stay and watch some people with vested interests continue to destroy the party in the state for their selfish reasons”.

    The VC maintained that “We are not deterred by what has happened because for us, we know and believe that power only come from God through the people and not just a select few. There’s something we have that they don’t and that’s you, the people.

    I want to urge all our supporters to remain calm but steadfast. We didn’t come into the Senate race for a joke. We came to fight for the emancipation of our people and nothing has changed our resolve. We remain very committed and unrelentingly dedicated to seeing it through to the end not as spectators but as active participants and eventual winners”.

    While thanking his supporters and members of APC in the state for the support so far, he said “I call on all our supporters not to join our opponents in horse-trading but remain committed to the ideals that make us unbreakable and unbeatable. We’re still fully in the race and we don’t have any doubt that in the end, we’ll reclaim our stollen mandate.

    The party belongs to all of us and not a privileged few thus, we won’t rest until the impunity in Cross River State APC is sent to the abyss”.

  • Zana Akpagu To Seek Legal Redress If The Photocopy Of INEC Nomination Form Bearing Joe Agi’s Name As Circulated On Social Media Turns To Be True

    Zana Akpagu To Seek Legal Redress If The Photocopy Of INEC Nomination Form Bearing Joe Agi’s Name As Circulated On Social Media Turns To Be True

    By Elijah Ugani – Calabar

    A frontline contender for the ticket of the All Progressive Congress APC,  for Cross River Northern senatorial district bye election comes 31stOctober, 2020, Prof. Zana Akpagu has called on his teeming supporters to remain resolute despite the sighting of the photocopy of a document that have a semblance with the independent National Electoral Commission INEC nomination form.

    Prof. Akpagu maintained that they will not hasitate to take legal action to reclaim their mandate should the document turn out to be true.

    In release made available to The Lumine News and signed by Mr. Peter Inyali, for Prof. Zana Akpagu Campaign Organization, calls on all supporters to remain calm as they are yet to ascertain the authenticity of the said document considering the fact that the document beared 9th September, when the Appeal Panel sat for the first time on the 8th September, 2020.

    The release reads in parts “Truth Can Only Be Delayed, Not Denied.

    “The attention of Prof. Zana Akpagu Campaign Organization has been drawn to a photocopy of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Senatorial Nomination form bearing the name of one Joe Agi, SAN as candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Cross River North Senatorial district bye-election circulating online.

    “We want to urge all our supporters to remain calm as we are yet to confirm the authenticity of the said document. This is necessary because the said document beared September 9th yet the primary appeal panel sat for the first time on 8th and the aspirant whose name appeared on the form was attended to on the 9th.

    “The panel report was possibly sent to the National working Committee on the 10th for a decision to be taken on the 11th when they met. We believe that the INEC nomination form could not have been given to anybody when aspirants who appeared before the panel are still awaiting the decision of the national leadership of the party.

    “The victory of Prof. Zana Akpagu at the poll was too clear that cannot be subverted. During the panel, the aspirant (Akpagu) presented reports backed with ward and chapter results from INEC, Police, DSS, Observers/Civil Society Organizations that certify his victory.

    “With the glaring evidences, we are confident that the leadership of our great party would not fall to the antics of those who are so scared of competition within the party but think they can always use the back door to get the ticket to chicken out in the main election like in the primary to give the PDP a smooth ride.

    “Not withstanding, we want to state unequivocally clear that in the event that the document turns out to be true, we won’t hesitate to take the necessary legal action to reclaim our mandate.

    “This is democracy hence, the wishes of the people should be allowed to prevail and not the selfish wishes of a privileged few.

    “Inyali Peter
    For Prof. Zana Akpagu Campaign Organization”

  • No Cause For Alarm, Akpagu Remains C’River North APC Favourite – Team Zana

    No Cause For Alarm, Akpagu Remains C’River North APC Favourite – Team Zana

    PRESS RELEASE

    No Cause For Alarm, Akpagu Remains C’River North APC Favourite

    Greetings to all members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, the good people of Cross River Northern Senatorial District and very special new yam felicitation to the good people of Yala and Obanliku.

    It has become very pertinent that we issue this statement to address some information making the rounds in the social media about the forthcoming APC primary scheduled for September 3rd, 2020.

    On Thursday August 26th, 2020, Prof. Zana Akpagu along with other aspirants vying for the Cross River North APC Senatorial ticket attended screening exercises at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. Although the panel is yet to formally speak on the outcome of the exercise, his (Prof. Akpagu) impressive performance during the screening clearly point to the fact that his name would be the first on the list.

    As a grassroot mobilizer, after the screening exercise, he set his mind on returning home to meet with his people in his usual tradition of not staying too far from them and was actually on his way when he received a call to return to Abuja for Cross River North APC stakeholders meeting. As a man who is so passionate about building a strong political party to challenge PDP dominance in the state, he didn’t hesitate to honour the call.

    The meeting held yesterday, August 30th at Bela Nova Hotel, Abuja. From what transpired, it was clear that the single agenda of the meeting was to coerce stakeholders to take decisions that would only return the party to the ugly path it’s trying to come out from. But thank God, men of conscience who attended showed that they love the party more than the selfish interest of a minority few who feel that the only time they can be relevant is when there’s crisis in the party.

    It is important to state emphatically that majority of the aspirants have unanimously agreed to test their popularity in the poll in a free, credible fair and friendly primary as such, any attempt by anybody or group of people to foist a candidate on the party would be seriously resisted.

    The party constitution is clear on how to elect a candidate in any election. It recommends direct/indirect primary or consensus. In the case of consensus, the party is clear that it can only be adopted when all parties involved elect to use it but in this case, majority of the aspirants and stakeholders are saying that they wants primary.

    Thus, any attempt to subvert the wishes of the people would push the party back to the ugly days of unending crisis. All lovers of APC should avoid this in order not to portray the state chapter of the party as undermining the directives of the leader of the party and our dear President, Muhammadu Buhari to end all the crisis rocking the party at all levels.

    At every point, the leaders of the party should understand that APC would be running the election as an opposition in the state therefore instead of engaging in activities that will polarize the party or sow seed of discord among the contestants, there should be a level playing ground for a candidate to emerge so that people can still work together to deliver the election for the party after the primary. At the end of the day, whoever emerges candidate would need the support of others to win the main election hence, the need for the coup planners to desist from any action that would undermine others.

    To all the overwhelming supporters of Prof. Zana Akapgu, remain calm and resolute, there’s no course for alarm. Prof. Zana is still the leading and the most popular candidate (aspirant) going into the primary. He will not only win the primary landslide, he’ll deliver the entire Senatorial district to the APC in the main election.

    Baring any last minute change by the National Caretaker Committee to the time table, for now, the primary is still holding on the 3rd of September. And Prof. Akpagu is going into the race as favourites in both the primary and main election.

    All his supporters are advised to continue their mobilization and go on with their normal activities as law abiding members of the party.

    Thank you and God bless.

    Inyali Peter
    For Team Zana

  • C’River Northern Bye-election: Prof. Zana Akpagu Receives Contribution of 1000 Bags of Rice As Campaign Contribution from concerned constituents.

    C’River Northern Bye-election: Prof. Zana Akpagu Receives Contribution of 1000 Bags of Rice As Campaign Contribution from concerned constituents.

    By Admin

    According to information made available to Z-Media, some group of lecturers employed by Prof. Zana Akpagu in the University of Calabar contributed monies to buy and brand the rice.

    Presenting the rice, the group through its leader said “we are donating this rice as our own campaign contribution, and to also appreciate your effort towards the impact you’ve had in our lives.”

    “We do believe that you’ve the capacity, the leadership grooming, and the desire to impact more if given the opportunity to represent the Cross River Northern Senatorial District.”

    “We also want to use this opportunity to show our gratitude for finding us worthy to be considered to serve in the University of Calabar. We do think that as a senator with a national reach, you’ll use your connections and lobbying skills to build human capacity and infrastructures.”

    Receiving the branded rice and other items, Prof. Zana Akpagu has this to say, “I didn’t know any of you before you were picked to serve as lecturers. I only received and reviewed your CVs and qualifications. I didn’t know that a day like this will come when the people i didn’t know will be the ones to come forward to contribute towards my campaign.”

    “Let me reiterate once again that I am not contesting this senate election because of myself. I am in this race because I want to give our people another sense of hope, and to contribute more to the development of our senatorial district.”

    “I believe I can do better. I believe if I am voted as the next senator, the narrative will change. I’ll be able to place our district in the national discourse.”

    “I am grateful for your kind gestures for bringing me this items even in these difficult times. I really appreciate. Thank you.”

    Prof. Zana Akpagu has since commenced the distribution of the branded rice to constituents as palliatives to help reduce the hardship occasioned by Covid-19.

    Ifere Paul is reporting for Z-Media.

  • APC Primary Election: Akpagu CAN Replicate Massive Projects in Unical for Cross River North

    APC Primary Election: Akpagu CAN Replicate Massive Projects in Unical for Cross River North

    By Admin

    Every genuine leader or representative who holds any position of authority to further the policy thrust of an administration or yearnings of a people is identified by a unique vigour to execute visible projects for enhanced productivity.

    These projects aimed at reducing pressure on existing ones and opening opportunities for optimal performance within a particular sector are key indicators that heighten productivity.

    As a function of value, productivity stems from passion to mitigate negative impact of people’s sufferings through felt needs and working towards achieving them.

    Thus, even at the twilight of Prof Zana Akpagu’s projects driven reign as University of Calabar Vice-Chancellor. The second generation University in Nigeria under his watch has indeed bludgeoned into a much sought after citadel of learning cherished by all.

    Attracting projects into the University by lobbying government, private sector,donor agencies and the international community is very key in modern times. While the zeal to expeditiously execute such projects based on timelines, prudence and due diligence requires special skills.

    In the light of trending global best practices, the state of the art facilities as influenced by Ntufam Professor Akpagu into the University keeps daily converts within and outside the senatorial district in awe having thrilled the University publics as well as the Presidency with frugal spendings in projects execution.

    A trip to the University where massive infrastructure delivered by the towering giant in good stead for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket in the 3rd September primary election are legion .

    It is incontrovertibly clear that Prof Akpagu is not just called “Mr Projects ” but one with capacity to do more if the APC paves way for him in party primary to elect a standard bearer.

    No wonder critical stakeholder’s endorsements flooded his intent and nomination form has been received with cheers in Ogoja, Yala, Obudu, Bekwarra and Obanliku. A poacher like Akpagu is what the APC needs in the fierce competition to wrest the senatorial seat from the umbrella.

    It is imagined that placing the collective destinies of all in Cross River North in him as their representative in the Red Chamber would be a very easy pick if there is a sense of commitment to eschew sentiments.

    Fittingly so, Akpagu’s personality which transcends ethnic bias following his open arms to people with high level of intelligence and skills from all parts of the state and beyond.

    He can propel equitable distribution of sustainable development projects in all parts of Cross River North having had a taste of what it feels like to deliver amidst cheering ovation as stimulus for even higher responsibility on account of performance.

    This can only be achieved if the urbane Nigerian of Cross River North extraction is presented with a golden chance in the hallowed chambers.

    Without doubt,Akpagu can replicate the unical experience in Cross River North for the greatest good of all in the Senatorial District.

    Copyright @Z-Effect Media 2020

  • CRN bye-election : Unical VC Picks APC Nomination Form, Says He’s Sure Of Victory

    CRN bye-election : Unical VC Picks APC Nomination Form, Says He’s Sure Of Victory

    By Admin

    The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Zana Akpagu has picked the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senate nomination form to contest the Cross River North bye-election.

    Akpagu, the leading APC aspirant in the race said that he is sure of victory as he is contesting to win and not to settle for second position.

    Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently released time table that fixed October 31st for the bye-election to fill the vacuum created by the demise of late Sen. Rose Oko.

    Speaking shortly after picking his form on Tuesday, August 18 at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, Akpagu, a former Commissioner for Education in Cross River State said that he is not only ready for the party’s primary but for the main election.

    Lamenting that the Senatorial district has suffered severe underdevelopment occasioned by poor representation, he averred that with him as Senator, things will turnaround in the zone for better.

    While expressing confidence in winning the party’s nomination and the main election, he added that he was not in the race because he feels he’s the richest man but because of the yearnings of the people for positive change.

    According to him, “I’m not in the race because I feel I have the money to buy the people, in fact, I believe that our people are too civilized to be bought over. I’m in the race because I feel the cry of our people to key into the change agenda of our great party, the APC and President Mohammadu Buhari.

    “Cross River North is blessed with vast land for agriculture but why have we not harnessed the potential and properly liaised with the federal government to attract many of the government’s agricultural initiatives to our people?

    From available data, our Senatorial district is lagging behind in terms of federal government jobs when compared to other Senatorial districts. This is because we’ve not sent people who understand the sufferings of our people. There are opportunities there but we just need people with the will power to pursue them for our people. That’s exactly what I’m very convinced that I can and will do as Senator”.

    He added that “I’m not coming with so much promises because I believe that our modest efforts in our previous positions and where I’m now have been speaking for me and my team loudly. I’m not just contesting because we want to come second, but because I’m confident that we can and shall win”.

  • If Track Records And Competence Is Anything To Go By, UNICAL Governing Council Need Not Search Further With Prof. Offiong E. Offiong

    If Track Records And Competence Is Anything To Go By, UNICAL Governing Council Need Not Search Further With Prof. Offiong E. Offiong

    By Admin

    Professor Offiong E. Offiong is a Professor of Inorganic Chemistry who is purpose driven to build on the legacies of past Vice Chancellors of the University of Calabar.

    Prof. Offiong is poised to strengthen areas that may not have been given priority and adequate attention in the past.

    University of Calabar, like some other varsities have other businesses which implies that the institution does not only teach Entrepreneurship education in theory, but the students have the opportunity to practice what they learn.

    The University of Calabar currently produce UNICAL table water as a means of income generation. However, there are several ventures that have remained untapped and unexplored within the university system despite the available market opportunities.

    Apart from the university’s core mandate of Academics, UNICAL houses several investments which can be liken to a jewel in her crown.

    The University of Calabar is however in dare need of that leader who sees the multi-sectoral opportunities and has the the goodwill to explore and harness these opportunities to boost the internally generated revenue IGR to change the narratives of over-dependence on subvention from the federal government.

    Prof Offiong is an Entrepreneur per excellent, and has prior to his ambition to serve the university in the position of Vice Chancellor, laid down plans to revamp UNICAL businesses.

    It is imperative to note that this erudite Professor is integrity and humility personified, he is a man of his words, a trail blazer, a pathfinder, a social engineer and mobilizer of very high repute.

    Prof. Offiong has all it takes to build, expand, sustain and reinvigorates university of Calabar ventures.

    If competence, experience, track records and merit is anything to go by in the circumstance of the Vice Chancellorship appointment, the Governing Council of the University does not need to search further, as the quintessential Prof. Offiong’s intimidating CV and achievements which are visible and speaks volume and  has eased the work for the Council.

    Prof. Offiong is vested with the capacity, zeal, content, managerial, influential and managerial skills to consolidate on the virtues and gains of the past Vice Chancellor to move the University of Calabar to the next level.

    We can only pray the Governing Council saddled with the onerous responsibility of appointing a Vice Chancellor, finds a trust worthy servant-leader, Prof. Offiong E. Offiong, the substantive 11th Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar.