Cross River State governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has extended warm and heartfelt congratulations to renowned Nigerian scientist and distinguished academic, Professor Ekanem Ikpi Braide, OFR, as she marks her 80th birthday.
Governor Otu described the celebrated parasitologist as “one of the brightest intellectual beacons to have emerged from Cross River State,” whose life’s work has brought honour to the state and Nigeria at large.
In a congratulatory message issued his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Linus Obogo, to commemorate the milestone, the governor praised Prof. Braide’s extraordinary contributions to science, public health and higher education, noting that her legacy continues to inspire generations of scholars and innovators across the country. He said her career represents a remarkable blend of scholarship, leadership and humanitarian service.
“Prof. Ekanem Braide’s life is a glowing testament to the power of knowledge in the service of humanity,” Governor Otu said,” nothing that “through her pioneering work in parasitology and public health, she helped lead one of the most historic public health victories in Nigeria, the eradication of guinea worm disease, thereby restoring hope, dignity and health to countless communities.”
Governor Otu said beyond her scientific achievements, Professor Braide’s leadership in academia has left an enduring institutional legacy. He recalled her tenure as Vice-Chancellor of the then Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH) and her historic role as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Lafia.
“Her administrative brilliance and intellectual discipline helped shape institutions that continue to produce outstanding graduates and innovators,” the Governor said. “In every assignment she has undertaken, Professor Braide has demonstrated uncommon vision, integrity and devotion to national progress.”
The Governor also commended her groundbreaking emergence as the first female President of the Nigerian Academy of Science, describing the achievement as a watershed moment for women in science and leadership in Nigeria. According to him, the honour reflects the depth of her scholarship and the respect she commands within the global scientific community.
“Her elevation to the presidency of the Nigerian Academy of Science was not merely a personal milestone,” he said. “It was a national affirmation that excellence, perseverance and intellectual rigour will always find their rightful place in history.”
Governor Otu further acknowledged Prof. Braide’s continuing service to society, including her role as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of The Leprosy Mission Nigeria and as Pro-Chancellor of Arthur Jarvis University, Akpabuyo. He noted that her commitment to humanitarian causes and educational advancement has remained steadfast even in the later years of her distinguished career.
“As she celebrates this remarkable milestone, Cross River State proudly honours a daughter whose brilliance has illuminated classrooms, laboratories and communities across the nation and beyond,” the Governor stated.
He prayed for her continued health, peace and fulfilment for the revered scholar. “On behalf of the government and the good people of Cross River State, I congratulate Professor Ekanem Ikpi Braide on her 80th birthday and wish her many more years of strength, grace and continued service to humanity.”
