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Crown University Award: Ironbar’s Ascension As An Epitome of Public Flame
Crown University Award: Ironbar’s Ascension As An Epitome of Public Flame
Linus Obogo
In a howling attestation to excellence, integrity and boundless service, the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Cross River State, Hon. Emmanuel Bassey Ironbar, was recently decorated with the prestigious Honorary Doctorate in Public Policy and Administration (D.P.A Honoris Causa) by the globally revered Crown University, Delaware, USA. The conferment, embellished with a Five-Star Certificate of Achievement, is no ordinary accolade—it is a coronation of a life nobly lived, a career fiercely dedicated to public good, and a spirit unyielding and unmatched in its fidelity to purpose.
Like a fine tapestry woven in gold and discipline, Hon. Ironbar’s odyssey from the boisterous clan of Ekpo Edem in Calabar South to the hallowed halls of international recognition evokes the cadence of greatness. A man forged in the crucible of adversity, refined by knowledge, and crowned by relentless service, he has become an emblem of what it means to lead not just by words, but by sacrificial, self-effacing action. It is no exaggeration to say that his entire life has been a thesis in public policy—rich in content, noble in intent, and legendary in impact.
From the corridors of the Army Day Secondary School, Calabar—where he served as Senior Prefect with poise beyond his years—to the proud gates of the University of Calabar where he earned his degree in Sociology, Hon. Ironbar’s trajectory bore the unmistakable imprimatur of destiny. Never one to rest on his laurels, he furthered his intellectual armory with a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration, aligning both passion and profession towards state-building. That intellectual rigour has since become the keel upon which his excellence finds anchorage.
His ascendancy through the echelons of public service reads like a chronicle of divine orchestration. From Special Assistant to the Executive Chairman of Calabar South to Special Adviser on Homeland Security, from his strategic leadership at the Niger Delta Development Commission to his commanding presence on the campaign frontlines during the ‘Prince is Coming’ movement, Hon. Ironbar has not only served—he has transformed, inspired and elevated every platform upon which he stood. His stewardship is a prism through which good governance gleams.
As Chief of Staff to Governor Bassey Edet Otu, Ironbar has become the unseen hand behind the seamless orchestration of the ‘People First’ agenda. Tireless in execution and tenacious in duty, he exudes the temperament of a seasoned statesman and the vigour of a consummate administrator. His loyalty to the governor is not transactional—it is total. His dedication to duty is not perfunctory—it is a sacred covenant. He does not merely administer the governor’s vision; he animates it with quiet strength and indomitable will.
The conferral of the honorary doctorate is therefore not just recognition—it is recompense. It is the world pausing to salute a son of Africa who has made service an altar and diligence a creed. The Crown University’s decision to honour him mirrors a wider global sentiment: that in Ironbar, we find the confluence of intellectual virtue and public devotion. Indeed, as the institution lauded him, it described him as “a torchbearer of administrative integrity and visionary leadership in the public sphere”.
But even before this international acclaim, the footprints of his legacy had been etched on the sands of time. In 2025 alone, Ironbar was decorated with the National Leadership Award as Nigeria’s Best Chief of Staff and named Safety Ambassador by the Nigerian Society of Engineers. These honours speak of a man whose impact resonates across disciplines—from politics to security, from policy to infrastructure. Each title is a garland, a testament to a life whose light refuses to dim.
An orator in wisdom, a sentinel of discipline and a magnet of grassroots affection, Ironbar remains a bridge between government and the governed. His storied popularity across the 18 local government areas of Cross River State is proof that the heart of a leader must beat in tandem with the pulse of the people. Crowned ‘Wutoro Oboro I’ of the Egbe Clan in Ogoja, his chieftaincy is not just traditional—it is a poetic acknowledgment of a man who walks among kings but never loses the common touch.
Today, as drums of celebration echo across the creeks of Calabar and accolades thunder from the hamlets of Mbube to the seas of Bakassi, Cross River State stands proud, for one of her finest sons has risen to the zenith of global recognition. Hon. Emmanuel Bassey Ironbar’s name now shimmers among the stars of public policy worldwide. And in his story, we are reminded that greatness is not wished—it is earned through vision, virtue, and valour.
* Obogo is the Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Cross State Governor
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Linus Obogo In a howling attestation to excellence, integrity and boundless service, the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Cross River State, Hon. Emmanuel Bassey Ironbar, was recently decorated
The post Crown University Award: Ironbar’s Ascension As An Epitome of Public Flame appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.
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- July 30, 2025
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Fund for Aba-Maiduguri rail corridor now available – Nigerian govt
The Federal Government has secured financing for the entire Aba to Maiduguri corridor, cutting across Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, Plateau, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Benue, of the 1443 kilometer Portharcourt Eastern Narrow Gauge Railway Project. The Minister of Transport, Senator Saidu Alkali, stated this at the ongoing government-citizen engagement forum in Kaduna on Wednesday. The Minister
Fund for Aba-Maiduguri rail corridor now available – Nigerian govt
The Federal Government has secured financing for the entire Aba to Maiduguri corridor, cutting across Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, Plateau, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Benue, of the 1443 kilometer Portharcourt Eastern Narrow Gauge Railway Project.
The Minister of Transport, Senator Saidu Alkali, stated this at the ongoing government-citizen engagement forum in Kaduna on Wednesday.
The Minister also disclosed that government has also rehabilitated the old Lagos-Kano Narrow Gauge and freight services linking Apapa to Kano Inland Dry Port.
The Federal Government had earlier assured Nigerians that the Kaduna-Kano Standard Gauge Rail Line will be completed by next year.
The Minister revealed that at the inception of the Tinubu administration on May 29, 2023, the project stood at 15 percent completion.
However, as of now, significant progress has been made, with the project reaching 53 percent completion.
Fund for Aba-Maiduguri rail corridor now available – Nigerian govt
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- July 30, 2025
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AkwaPoly Rector, Umobong dismisses allegation of imposing kinsman as successor
The outgoing Rector of the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, Dr Moses Umobong has described as baseless, the rumour of his attempt to influence the appointment of a successor from his ethnic group. Umobong said he lacked the powers to influence such appointment stressing that only the Executive governor of the state has the
AkwaPoly Rector, Umobong dismisses allegation of imposing kinsman as successor
The outgoing Rector of the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, Dr Moses Umobong has described as baseless, the rumour of his attempt to influence the appointment of a successor from his ethnic group.
Umobong said he lacked the powers to influence such appointment stressing that only the Executive governor of the state has the sole and constitutional powers to appoint Rectors of Polytechnics.
A statement gaining traction online endorsed by a ‘Concerned Annang Citizen’ had claimed that the Rector in collaboration with leaders of the three unions in the Polytechnic: Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics, SSANIP, and the Ibibio Union, is sponsoring a preferred successor from his ethnic group, Ibibio, thereby marginalizing the Annangs.
The Concerned Anang Citizen’ said such move if allowed would not only cause disharmony among the ethnic groups in the institution but would lead to institutional crisis by ultimately burying the only state-owned institution of higher learning located in ‘Annang land.’
Addressing journalists who visited to know his side of the story at the Polytechnic premises on Wednesday, the Rector wondered how someone whom he described as “faceless” could come up with such allegations knowing fully well that in the case of State Polytechnic, all appointments of Principal Officers are made by the Governor.
Umobong regretted that someone could be playing politics of ethnic sentiment in institution of higher learning instead of championing excellence and academic growth.
He noted, “My job is just to write officially to the governor, telling him when I’ll be exiting, which I have already done, and obtain permission to advertise. When that approval is granted, an advertisement would be placed and the council will conduct interviews.
”The NBTE is the regulator, they have set up some guidelines for the appointment of a Rector, which must be strictly followed. So how do I come in here, he asked?
“During my time, we were eight that applied or contested. We sat for the interview, fortunately for me, I was appointed the Rector. So, are you saying that somebody should be a sole candidate? Well, if no other person is interested, fine, but if there are other interest groups, they have the right to apply. All these allies are supposed to go to the governor and say, Governor, I warn you, you must appoint this person from this particular ethnic group. To show your supremacy, to show your powers.’
However, Umobong said he would not be distracted by such speculations recalling how he was able to secure 100 percent accreditation of all the courses and programmes of the polytechnic since assumption of office; thereby placing AkwaPoly from the 99th ranking position to 2nd position as the best polytechnic in Nigeria.
His words, ‘At the time I took over, the Polytechnic was in the national ranking on the 99th position, 99th position out of a total number of 110 Polytechnics, signifying that there was something professionally wrong. So with the corporation of all the staff and all of us, we were able to put all our efforts together, work hard together.
After two years, the ranking came again. In The third year of my tenure, we achieved 18th position. And in 2023, We were ranked second best Polytechnic in Nigeria. Polytechnic Illaro came first, we came second. By the grace of God, the State government has been very supportive, funding us and so on.
The Rector while announcing his exit on November 2025, thanked the governor, Umo Eno and his predecessor for their supports and attempts to reposition the polytechnic and put it in an enviable height and prayed that his legacies in the institution would be sustained.
AkwaPoly Rector, Umobong dismisses allegation of imposing kinsman as successor
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- July 30, 2025
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Gyokeres Breaks Arsenal Shirt Sales Record Just Days After Completing £70m Move
Viktor Gyokeres has smashed Arsenal’s shirt sales record since his move from Sporting Lisbon was confirmed, Daily Mail reports. Following weeks of arduous negotiations, the Gunners at last officially announced…
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- July 30, 2025
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Peter Obi reveals Nigeria’s greatest burden
The 2023 presidential candidate under the platform of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, says leadership failure lies at the heart of Nigeria’s problems. In a post on his official X handle on Wednesday, Obi stated that the cumulative effect of poor leadership remains the country’s greatest obstacle to development. The former Anambra State Governor called
Peter Obi reveals Nigeria’s greatest burden
The 2023 presidential candidate under the platform of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, says leadership failure lies at the heart of Nigeria’s problems.
In a post on his official X handle on Wednesday, Obi stated that the cumulative effect of poor leadership remains the country’s greatest obstacle to development.
The former Anambra State Governor called for urgent disruption of the current retrogressive system and the enthronement of leaders with competence, character, capacity, and compassion.
“To all well-meaning Nigerians: this must stop. We must dismantle the system of criminality. We have voted based on tribe and religion for too long – it is time to vote for competence. Let us move from waste, looting, and reckless borrowing to production. Let us build a Nigeria that works,” he said.
Peter Obi reveals Nigeria’s greatest burden
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- July 30, 2025
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Coca-Cola announces sale of Chivita and Hollandia maker to UAC
The Coca-Cola Company has entered into an agreement to sell Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Limited), the producer of Chivita and Hollandia brands, to UAC of Nigeria PLC (UAC). The disclosure was contained…
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- July 30, 2025
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Other regions not struggling for Fire Service Chief – Shehu Sani on Adeyemi’s appointment
Former lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, has reacted to the appointment of Adeyemi Olumode, as the new Federal Fire Service, FFS, Controller-General by President Bola Tinubu. In a post on X, Sani suggested that other regions were not struggling over the position. He said: “The new Controller General of Fire Service is from the South West,
Other regions not struggling for Fire Service Chief – Shehu Sani on Adeyemi’s appointment
Former lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, has reacted to the appointment of Adeyemi Olumode, as the new Federal Fire Service, FFS, Controller-General by President Bola Tinubu.
In a post on X, Sani suggested that other regions were not struggling over the position.
He said: “The new Controller General of Fire Service is from the South West, it’s all quiet. It seems other regions are not struggling over this position.”
DAILY POST reported that Adeyemi’s appointment was announced on Wednesday on behalf of the Nigerian government by Abdulmalik Jubril, Secretary of the Civil, Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, CDCFIB.
According to Jubril, the appointment followed the retirement of the current Controller-General, Abdulganiyu Jaji.
Other regions not struggling for Fire Service Chief – Shehu Sani on Adeyemi’s appointment
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- July 30, 2025
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Nigerian govt reveals measures to finally end farmer-herder clashes
The Federal Government is committed to developing Nigeria’s livestock sector as a strategic measure to address the persistent farmers-herders clashes and unlock the sector’s vast economic potential. This was disclosed by the Co-Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reforms, Prof Attahiru Jega, during the ongoing government-citizens engagement forum organized by the Sir Ahmadu Bello
Nigerian govt reveals measures to finally end farmer-herder clashes
The Federal Government is committed to developing Nigeria’s livestock sector as a strategic measure to address the persistent farmers-herders clashes and unlock the sector’s vast economic potential.
This was disclosed by the Co-Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reforms, Prof Attahiru Jega, during the ongoing government-citizens engagement forum organized by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Foundation in Kaduna on Wednesday.
Prof. Jega explained that the newly created Ministry of Livestock Development is a key component of President Bola Tinubu’s blueprint for transforming the sector.
He emphasized that the implementation of the President’s vision is being carried out devoid of political considerations and is anchored on inclusive stakeholder engagement encompassing state governments, traditional rulers, pastoral communities, and other critical actors.
Nigerian govt reveals measures to finally end farmer-herder clashes
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- July 30, 2025
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27 states, FCT accessed N78.6bn in UBE grants by mid 2025 — Nigerian govt
The Federal Government has revealed that a total of 27 states and the Federal Capital Territory have accessed N78.6 billion in Universal Basic Education, UBE, matching grants by mid‑2025. An update on Tuesday, through the official X account of the Federal Ministry of Education, the amount represented a 65% surge compared to January. In the
27 states, FCT accessed N78.6bn in UBE grants by mid 2025 — Nigerian govt
The Federal Government has revealed that a total of 27 states and the Federal Capital Territory have accessed N78.6 billion in Universal Basic Education, UBE, matching grants by mid‑2025.
An update on Tuesday, through the official X account of the Federal Ministry of Education, the amount represented a 65% surge compared to January.
In the statement, the improved performance followed the implementation of the UBEC 2025–2030 Strategic Blueprint, which introduced a revised matching grant formula that prioritises equity, quality, accountability, and state‑specific service delivery in basic education funding.
“FG records major success as N78.6 billion in UBE Matching Grants accessed by 27 states & FCT by mid-2025, a 65% surge from January!
“This milestone follows the rollout of the UBEC 2025–2030 Strategic Blueprint, introducing a revised Matching Grant formula prioritising: Equity Quality Accountability State-specific service delivery,” the post on X read in part.
It further disclosed that the rise in accessed funds was attributed to high-level advocacy efforts jointly carried out by the Federal Ministry of Education and the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC.
The post added that the efforts included direct engagement with state governors and data-driven feedback that prompted more states to pay their counterpart funds.
The Ministry of Education reiterated that it remained committed to transparent reforms and ensuring that every naira spent delivers tangible improvements in Nigeria’s basic education sector.
Commenting on the development, Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa described the results as evidence of “focused reforms and collaboration,” commending the states that have responded and urging others yet to act to do so quickly.
27 states, FCT accessed N78.6bn in UBE grants by mid 2025 — Nigerian govt
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- July 30, 2025
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Nigerian govt set date for completion of Kaduna–Kano standard gauge rail line
The Federal Government has given assurances that the Kafuna-Kano Standard Gauge Rail Line will be completed by next year, the Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali, has disclosed. Speaking at the ongoing government-citizen engagement forum in Kaduna, the Minister revealed that at the inception of the Tinubu administration on May 29, 2023, the project stood
Nigerian govt set date for completion of Kaduna–Kano standard gauge rail line
The Federal Government has given assurances that the Kafuna-Kano Standard Gauge Rail Line will be completed by next year, the Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali, has disclosed.
Speaking at the ongoing government-citizen engagement forum in Kaduna, the Minister revealed that at the inception of the Tinubu administration on May 29, 2023, the project stood at 15 percent completion.
However, as of now, significant progress has been made, with the project reaching 53 percent completion.
He further disclosed that funding to accelerate the pace of work has been secured through a bilateral agreement with the Government of China.
Nigerian govt set date for completion of Kaduna–Kano standard gauge rail line
