The impact of globalization on developing economies cannot be denied.

Globalization is better understood starting with it economic dimension. It affects virtually every aspect of our lives, politics, education, trade, leisure(tourism), etc. It is the key factor driving the changes we witness and experience today.

Education has been identified as the strategic instrument for addressing present and future challenges of globalization and impact of knowledge economy.

Today, Barrister Stephen Odey PhD. Has repositioned Cross River Basic Schools to produce functionally skilled and competent learners who would not only meet our local needs, but cross borders to compete with the best in the world.

The repositioning the SUBEB Boss achieved through the SUBEB Staff/Basic schools’ Teachers Audit, making only qualified teachers with authentic certification to be in our basic schools. Many teachers with fake certificates were identified and demoted to the level of the available authentic certificate, ghost teachers were as well cast out by the SUBEB Boss.

Standard Model Secondary schools running smoothly without hitches and a(n) British –  Canadian International School soon to be completed and commissioned at Obudu Cross River State.

On Teachers welfare it is celebration, celebration, celebration as teachers get paid prior to end of the month and at most 23rd of every month Basic schools teachers are paid and regularly.

Construction and renovation of basic infrastructures is very visible to all and sundry as SUBEB has practically provided basic infrastructures to make teaching and learning efficiently carried in a conducive environment. Many public schools in the state are now having a feel of government presence for the very first time and drums rolled out severally to celebrate the administration of Governor Ayade.

Like father like son…
His Excellency Professor, Senator Ben Ayade’s vision on education indicates that he recognize in very strong terms that education plays a fundamental role in empowering the people to attain:
×Wealth creation,
×Employment generation,
×Poverty reduction, and
×Value reorientation.

Hence, Dr. Stephen Odey will continue to serve as the instrument  for educational reconstruction and repositioning at the basic education subsector, a visible representation of his tenets of rescue mission where he has ensured regular in-house retraining, workshops and seminars for the basic schools teachers to meet up with demands of globalization.

By SaintAugustine Adula Odey:

Universal Basic Education Model Schools are three (3) in Cross River State, each senatorial district now has one (1) functional UBEC MODEL SECONDARY SCHOOL with the state of the art facilities.

Prior to the assumption in office by Barrister Stephen Odey Ph D as the Executive Chairman- Cross River State Universal Basic Education Board, these UBEC Model Schools were abandoned by the previous administration, the schools were outgrown with bushes.

Dr. Stephen Odey who upon resumption of office had declared that he was/is on a rescue mission to reposition the basic education sector in Cross River State to it amiable heights especially by the implementation of the brilliant blue print of His Excellency on Education:

#Developing in the entire citizenry a strong
  consciousness for education and a strong commitment to    its vigorous promotion.

#Providing free and compulsory, Universal Basic
Education for every Cross River/ Nigerian child of school-going age.

#Reducing drastically the incidence of early leaving
from the formal school system
(through improved relevance, quality and efficiency).

#Catering for the learning needs of young persons
who, for one reason or another, have had to
interrupt their schooling through appropriate
forms of complementary approaches to the
provision and promotion of basic education.

#Ensuring the acquisition of appropriate levels of
literacy, numeracy, manipulative, communicative
and life-skills as well as the ethical, moral and
civic values for laying a solid foundation for life-
long learning.

UBEC Model Schools are founded on the above and on very strong principles of academic excellence with conducive environment for teaching and learning and a versatile teaching staff with reputable credentials to provide the required tutoring. Recall that the executive chairman of SUBEB Barrister Stephen Odey Ph D personally and painstakingly conducted the interviews where the best hands were employed.

The Cross River State Universal Basic Education Board  administration as led by Dr. Stephen Odey has for the first time in the history of Cross River SUBEB  is successfully running Model Secondary Schools, efficiently, qualitatively entrenching the  best practices, these Model Schools started with ten (10) students last year 2016 but now the Model Schools have hundreds of students from within and outside the state.

The UBEC Model Junior Vocational Secondary School, Akpabuyo and the other two UBEC MODEL SECONDARY SCHOOLS at Itigidi-Abi and ABACHOR-IGBEKU YALA are solely managed by SUBEB in strict compliance with global best practices in teaching and learning.

The AKPABUYO people in particular and the general southern senatorial district with utmost sense of sincerity of purpose commend His Excellency Senator (Professor) Benedict Ayade the Governor of Cross River State for been magnanimous to have approved the commencement of academic activities at UBEC Model Junior Vocational  Secondary School , Akpabuyo, this school is a highly equipped model school with state of the art facilities, also the people appreciated the dynamic and pragmatic Executive Chairman of SUBEB for the great strides recorded in the Basic Education Subsector.

Universal Basic Education Model Schools are three (3) in Cross River State, each senatorial district now has one (1) functional UBEC MODEL SECONDARY SCHOOL with the state of the art facilities.

Prior to the assumption in office by Barrister Stephen Odey Ph D as the Executive Chairman- Cross River State Universal Basic Education Board, these UBEC Model Schools were abandoned by the previous administration, the schools were outgrown with bushes.

Dr. Stephen Odey who upon resumption of office had declared that he was/is on a rescue mission to reposition the basic education sector in Cross River State to it amiable heights especially by the implementation of the brilliant blue print of His Excellency on Education:

#Developing in the entire citizenry a strong
  consciousness for education and a strong commitment to    its vigorous promotion.

#Providing free and compulsory, Universal Basic
Education for every Cross River/ Nigerian child of school-going age.

#Reducing drastically the incidence of early leaving
from the formal school system
(through improved relevance, quality and efficiency).

#Catering for the learning needs of young persons
who, for one reason or another, have had to
interrupt their schooling through appropriate
forms of complementary approaches to the
provision and promotion of basic education.

#Ensuring the acquisition of appropriate levels of
literacy, numeracy, manipulative, communicative
and life-skills as well as the ethical, moral and
civic values for laying a solid foundation for life-
long learning.

UBEC Model Schools are founded on the above and on very strong principles of academic excellence with conducive environment for teaching and learning and a versatile teaching staff with reputable credentials to provide the required tutoring. Recall that the executive chairman of SUBEB Barrister Stephen Odey Ph D personally and painstakingly conducted the interviews where the best hands were employed.

The Cross River State Universal Basic Education Board  administration as led by Dr. Stephen Odey has for the first time in the history of Cross River SUBEB  is successfully running Model Secondary Schools, efficiently, qualitatively entrenching the  best practices, these Model Schools started with ten (10) students last year 2016 but now the Model Schools have hundreds of students from within and outside the state.

The UBEC Model Junior Vocational Secondary School, Akpabuyo and the other two UBEC MODEL SECONDARY SCHOOLS at Itigidi-Abi and ABACHOR-IGBEKU YALA are solely managed by SUBEB in strict compliance with global best practices in teaching and learning.

The AKPABUYO people in particular and the general southern senatorial district with utmost sense of sincerity of purpose commend His Excellency Senator (Professor) Benedict Ayade the Governor of Cross River State for been magnanimous to have approved the commencement of academic activities at UBEC Model Junior Vocational  Secondary School , Akpabuyo, this school is a highly equipped model school with state of the art facilities, also the people appreciated the dynamic and pragmatic Executive Chairman of SUBEB for the great strides recorded in the Basic Education Subsector.

…YACHE NATION AGAIN PLEDGED THEIR TOTAL SUPPORT FOR GOVERNOR AYADE’S SECOND TENURE.

The people of Yache are appreciative of the Digital and extraordinary performing Governor Ayade who is the causative factor that activates and actualizes dreams

, happiness, destinies and above all taking the presence of government to the people like never before.

The most recent development was at the commissioning of several projects in Communities in Yala Local Government Area.

In a welcome address presented during the commissioning of a six classroom block at St Leo’s Primary School, Wonye-Yache, Yala LGA, Mr Agi Paul said the provision of the classroom block will not only put to rest the long standing yearnings of the people of that community, but will also go a long way to enhance teaching and learning.

He thanked the SUBEB Chairman for breaking the long standing barrier of neglect and marginalization by giving them a sense of belonging and enabling them enjoy the dividends of democracy.

The Community Relations Officer, Yala I Constituency, Mr John Odo(a.k.a ODONAH),  who said the school which was built in 1953 by Missionaries and community efforts have since not felt government presence until the emergence of Governor Ben Ayade.

Pledging to support the present administration Mr Odo said, “We want Sen. prof Ben Ayade to go back for his second tenure, the whole community is behind him, all our votes are for him, because he has done so well for us.”

While commending the efforts of the SUBEB Chairman, he said “They say Charity begins at home, so there is no way we have our son there, that he will not remember where he is coming from. From 1953 till now count how many years, but today there is a new dawn in the community of Wonye. The community is very happy, everybody is appreciative and I am so happy with our own son Dr (Barr) Stephen Odey, because it is one thing to have someone in a position and another thing for somebody to perform. So when you have the right person, in the right place and at the right time you are bound to see performance,” he stated.

Speaking on behalf of the Uchu Community-Yache, where the commissioning of a six classroom block/offices/lavatory, four classroom block and a newly rehabilitated six classroom block was taking place in Community Secondary School, Uchu, Mr Igbadu Julius who described Dr Odey as a messiah who has come to revamp the education system also likened him to the biblical Adam due to his numerous achievements.

Extending gratitude to governor Ayade, he reiterated their support,  saying,  “Dr we the entire community are happy with your uncommon transformation, we are solidly behind you and your Father Prof. Ben Ayade, and his going back for second tenure is our sole responsibility.”

According to the Vice Principal, Community Sec. School Uchu, Mr Uyang Godwin “the position of the school before this time was nothing to write home about. Through the efforts of the community, we were able to erect one six classroom block which we have been managing, until this new development. With the establishment of two new buildings- one six classroom block including principal’s office and staff room, four classroom block including the rehabilitation of one six classroom block, the staff, students and entire people of yache are happy with the job done by SUBEB and the State government, “he stated.

Two students of Community Secondary School, Okara Sunday and Wogar Moses also extended gratitude to the Board and the State Government and called on students to take their academic pursuits seriously in order to become successful in life.

In Community Primary School Achuora-Uchu, where the commissioning of a six classroom block and water project took place, the Head Teacher, Mr Francis Agu commended the governor for appointing the Board Chairman who he said has been instrumental to the transformation of the basic education sub-sector.

While listing some of the his achievements to include ; provision of plastic tables and chairs to public schools, provision of sporting equipment to some selected schools, provision of classroom blocks and boreholes to public primary schools, removal of primary school teachers payroll from Ministry of Local Government  to SUBEB, regular payments of primary school teacher’s salary, amongst others, Mr Agu added that, within Dr Odey’s short stay in office, he has achieved giant strides that have moved Cross River State ahead of other states in the basic education sub-sector in the Country.

Expressing her excitement, a member of the Community, Mrs Elizabeth Ogbudu prayed for God’s blessing on governor Ben Ayade  and Dr Stephen Odey  , while urging parents to utilize the opportunity by sending their children to school.

Responding, the Executive Chairman (SUBEB), Dr Stephen Odey, reiterated that all of these laudable achievements would not have been possible without the support of Governor Ben Ayade who is determined to transform the face of basic education in the State.

He called on members of the various communities to continue to support Governor Ben Ayade led administration, as well as support efforts of the government by protecting all facilities provided. He further urged members of all communities to love themselves and be at peace with one another, saying that peace will always bring about positive transformation and development.

Charging students to take their education seriously, Dr Odey said “if you want to be great, education is the key, education is the way forward. I charge you to take your studies seriously, this is the time the foundation must be properly laid,” he emphasized.

Urging teachers to live up to their responsibilities and compliment efforts of government, he said “It took us time, energy and resources to do what we have done here. If you have all these buildings and you do not have the students inside, then you have not helped us. I challenge all teachers to sit up, come to school early, deliver your lectures to these innocent children, and do your best for us. It is your responsibility to inculcate the right values in them, teach them to be neat in appearance. It is your responsibility as a teacher to teach them what to do,” he stated.

To encourage others and to further prove that “disability is not inability” Dr Odey awarded a full Secondary school scholarship to Blessing Eyake, a physically challenged pupil at Community Primary School, Achuora-Uchu.

Dr Stephen Odey was further conferred with triple honorary merit awards of excellence; the OjiraDizi and General Overseer of St Leo’s Primary School, Wonye-Yache, the HeadBridge- Echu Akwa ni Imoro and the Touchbearer/Pathfinder- Osiela Kalo Osutsi ni Wonye Clan.

Some the talk this…
Some the talk that..
What is that…Who you EPP?

The master of the game is one who holds the ace, the game changer and a known winner and above all always winning doggedly.

In mentoring it is acceptable for a mentee to rise to expertise such that the master(mentor) is excited over the growth, dexterity and heroic exploits. A biblical allusion can be arrived at here- John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus who he said his(Jesus’) sandals he(John) cannot unbuckled.

In Cross River State we have witnessed in the recent days, and months nomadic politicians in voyages for greeneries, a former acting governor Mr. Larry Odey whose victory to CR.State House of Assembly that led him becoming Speaker, was made possible by over 7,000 PDP votes from Yache nation as against the major contender Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba of then ANPP who had swept and won in other wards of Yala speaking, the arrival of the votes from Yache nation changed the game.

Lemme ask who ‘e EPP’ As Speaker and Acting Governor? We are now seeing the obvious selfish and self centered set of acclaimed politicians… Their pocket methinks is their concern.

Many thanks to the Executive Governor H.E Senator (PROF) Ben Ayade for decoupling the state and not allowing selfish politicians to hijacked the state. The veil is opened now and we see clearly and better now.

Recall; in the recent past Senator Owan Eno Obliged the governor to get all the slots wards congresses, to as well allow him Owan Eno to produce all the councilors and chairmen in central and the governor asked him, why will he do that especially that critical stakeholders are not carried by his selfish intent? Later on Governor Ayade and Former Governor Liyel met and Liyel was commending on the loyalty of Senator Owan and Ayade asked Liyel if he was sure about Owan Eno’s loyalty especially that he plans hijacking the Central from all the stakeholders including the former governor, it was not long he migrated as a nomadic politician to the APC.

Of recent, Senator Rose Oko mobilized other legislators to  petition governor Ayade to the national chairman about the concluded ward congresses, explaining to the PDP national chairman that governor Ayade hijacked the ward congresses and produced all the ward executive of the PDP in Cross River State thereby exposing her fears of not going back to the red chambe!

When you are disconnected from your people you are bound to make erroneous assumptions such as this, I do know that the leadership of our great party knows their onions. Senator Oko mobilised other lawmakers from the state in a letter to the National Chairman
of the PDP dated October 12, 2017 and warned that unless something urgently is done to remedy the situation, the party stands a poor chance in the 2019 elections. This is hogwash, baseless and with time be proven otherwise.

The letter signed by nine legislators led by Senator Rose Oko (Cross River North) accused the governor of hijacking the state congresses to the exclusion of stakeholders.

“We bring to your attention the state of the structure of the PDP in Cross River State. The 2016 party congresses ostensibly saw the election of new officials for the state, local government area and ward executive officers for the party. There was however an aberration in the manner the congresses were done, as it excluded party stakeholders and elders across the state that became tantamount to a selection rather than an election. The implication of this is that there is now a general apathy (sic) and despondency among party members in the state, most of whom have felt the need to move out of the party to other parties, and indeed have done so,” the petition reads.

Now let us go down memory lane, in the glorious days of Senator Liyel Imoke as Chief Executive Officer of Cross River State, PDP ward congresses then was more of selection and or appointments, then it was correct and commended by Senator Rose Oko and cohorts. Recall that the PDP primary that saw Madam Rose to the green chambers of the National Assembly was hijacked by Senator Liyel the then CEO of the state and it was said to be a family affairs not even the brightest contenders/aspirants could cough. Same thing transpired during the race for the Senate, Madam Oko was on medical tourism at the U.S. voted in absence. Why cry foul now that Governor Ayade is decoupling the polity to enshrine a fair, conducive and level playing ground.

For the test of popularity and been connected to the electorate should now become a priority for anyone with any political interest to any office. Gone are the days of the old style whereby calls are made and primary elections are subverted to benefit selfish interests.

The governor Ben Ayade’s administration is truly taking back government to the people, running an inclusive administration. Having able bodied youths with vigor and mentoring them to deliver excellence at all the strata of the people’s paradise and beyond.

Very commendable are the giant strides recorded at the Basic Education Sector where Barrister Stephen Odey PhD.
The Executive Chairman of Cross River  SUBEB is vigorously entrenching the quality assurance and best practices by implementation of His Excellency’s mandate in the provision of Basic, Qualitative and Efficient Education to Cross River/Nigerian children of school going age. The same is happening at the Cross River Primary Health Care Development Agency, where Dr. Betta Edu is working round the clock penetrating and taking health care to the poorest and remotest of communities in the state as D.G. etc.

Let us all join hands with the administration of Governor Ayade who is selfless and people focus. We will not want bad belly and selfish legislators to paint our governor and the PDP in Cross River be dented.

Now our Supersonic Digital Governor Benedict Ayade is the Master of the game, and the master of the game is always the winner for example… The game between the SUPER EAGLES VS. ARGENTINA is very fresh in our minds what it means to be the master of the game.

The Executive Governor of Cross River State,
His Excellency the SuperSonic Digital Senator
(Professor) Benedict Ayade was ably represented at the commissioning of Cross River SUBEB projects by the
Executive Chairman of SUBEB Barrister Stephen Odey Ph D.

At St. Matthew’s Primary school Echumoga Community

the Deputy Head Teacher applauded the Governor for the intervention through the provision and maintenance of basic infrastructures across Cross River State Basic Schools, she stated. 

A class teacher expressed further happiness between the pupils, parents and the teachers – praying God bless our  our Governor Benedict Ayade.

AyiOko Clan was  equally reached, a(n) four classroom block with offices attached was constructed and completed before the duration of contract, the quality job is equally

appreciated by members of the community leaders who also observed that the quality job is delivered.

The Head Teacher Mr. Ogbor, Christopher Oko
Applauded the governor of cross river state and said:
” your visit today is a very significant demonstration of love and kind gesture to your people of Akreha and Yala in general” he had stated.

  “the SUBEB under Dr. Stephen Odey conceived the idea of making a difference in the Basic Education Sector, many have seen it as one of the usual promises of past administrations, but our son, Dr. Steven has proven the doubting Thomas’s wrong…”

The Governor was seriously commended for improving on the lot of our Basic Education Sector, despite all odds, you have remained resolute in your quest to right the wrongs in Cross River Basic Schools, thank you to the Governor, the people restated.  As the AyiOko Clan of Yala, declared their support to Senator (professor) Benedict Ayade’ s second term bid,

Chief Benjamin Ogar Ipuole had said, the just commissioned project at St. Patrick’s Primary school Akreha is a visible demonstration of Senator Ayade’s love and kind gesture to his people of Akreha and YALA LGA at large.

Dr. Stephen Odey in response to both, Head Teacher St. Patrick’s Primary school Akreha and Chief Benjamin Ogar Ipuole:

” the governor holds the people of Yala LGA in High esteem, this has been demonstrated over time by also, the number and sensitive appointments of Yala Sons and Daughters in his administration, However, the commitment of Yala in delivering in 2019 for the PDP has once again been restated by a people so endeared to their governor Ben Ayade. The SUBEB boss took time to reechoed the commitment of H.E Senator Ayade to deliver on his campaign promises and deliver on all the deliverables.

Dr. Odey further directed one of his SUBEB directors to ensure the delivery of 100 customized pupils plastic chairs and tables to St. Patrick’s Pupipls, the SUBEB boss moreover, funded the provision of Uniforms for about 50 indigent pupils. The only female graduate of Akreha community Idagu, Rose Ugwoma was assured of automatic employment alongside Emmanuel Ogabor Ogar. The people danced in the pool of JOY for the love of Governor Ayade assuring the Governor of their total support come 2019 reelection bid.

The Yache people converged at the
Yache Community Secondary School Aliforkpa, thanking His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Cross River State Prof. Ayade for the demonstration of his kindness and love to Yache nation especially, the appointment of H E’s Son Dr. Steven Odey as SUBEB Executive Chairman and other wide spread projects across the length and breadth of Yala LGA and the state at large.

Dr. Stephen Odey further identified one of his teachers
Mr. Raphael YEGWA a veteran school principal and appreciated him.
The Popular Mr. Quantum of Mary Knoll College Ogoja (now Okuku) ; said Dr. Odey back in the days of his

studentship was intelligent, dedicated, humble and above all committed to learning. The SUBEB Boss used the occasion and encouraged the students to be committed and dedicated to learning to better be positioned future leaders.

The Principal, Yache Community Secondary School
Lady Victoria Agbo Ogbo  thanked the Executive Governor of Cross River State and his son the SUBEB Executive chairman for all the infrastructural development across the state especially at our Basic Schools.