Catholic Priest Lauds Ayade’s Empowerment Legacy In Cross River

A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Humphrey Uche Udechukwu, has praised former Governor of Cross River State, Senator Benedict Bengioushuye Ayade, for what he described as a lasting legacy of human capital development and empowerment across the state.

Fr. Udechukwu, the Head Priest of St. Charles Catholic Church, Odudu, spoke on Saturday during a thanksgiving service held in honour of the promotion and appointment of Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Arone Undiandeye, the Chief of Defence Intelligence. The service took place at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bedia, in Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State.

In his homily, the priest reflected on the theme of gratitude to God and service to humanity, using Ayade’s leadership style as an example of purposeful governance anchored on empowering people rather than mere infrastructural development.

According to him, Ayade’s administration placed human capital development at the centre of governance, noting that the former governor consistently invested in people as the most sustainable path to development.

“He believed strongly that the real wealth of any society is its people. He committed time, resources and political capital to empowering Cross River sons and daughters and positioning them for growth and leadership,” Fr. Udechukwu said.

The priest further noted that Ayade went beyond state boundaries to facilitate the appointment of Cross River indigenes into strategic federal positions across key sectors, thereby amplifying the state’s presence on the national stage.

However, Fr. Udechukwu expressed concern that some beneficiaries of these opportunities failed to justify the confidence reposed in them, lamenting what he described as a growing culture of entitlement and ingratitude in society.

The thanksgiving service, which also doubled as a homecoming celebration for the Obudu-born intelligence chief, attracted a large gathering of dignitaries, including senior military officers, government officials, traditional rulers, clergy and members of the public from within and outside the state.

Lt. Gen. Undiandeye, a seasoned military officer with decades of service in the Nigerian Army and the intelligence community, was celebrated for his rise to one of the most sensitive positions in Nigeria’s security architecture. Speakers at the event described his appointment as a source of pride to Obudu, Cross River State and the nation at large, citing his discipline, professionalism and dedication to national service.

The service featured prayers, thanksgiving and reflections on leadership, responsibility and service, with speakers urging leaders at all levels to use their positions to uplift others and leave enduring legacies.

Ayade, who governed Cross River State from 2015 to 2023, is an academic-turned-politician and former professor of environmental science. Elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party before defecting to the All Progressives Congress in 2021, his administration pursued an industrialisation-driven agenda, including initiatives such as the Deep Sea Port, Super Highway and state-owned manufacturing projects.

Since leaving office in 2023, Ayade has remained active in national politics, maintaining a visible presence in Nigeria’s political landscape.