Cross River State University of Technology (CRUTECH), Calabar, has conferred on the Bayelsa State Governor, Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson, the Doctor of Environmental Management (Honoris Causa) in recognition of his stewardship.

The conferment took place on Saturday during the 6th-10th convocation ceremonies of the institution.

Governor Dickson was honoured alongside the former governor of Kaduna State and chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Caretaker Committee, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, who was conferred with the honorary Doctor of Business Administration.

Both honorees are the first recipients of the institution’s honourary doctoral degrees

Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Governor Dickson, who described the award as significant, said he was honoured by the gesture of the institution and appreciated the governor of the state, Senator Ben Ayade, the leadership of the institution and people of Cross River State for honouring him. “Let me first of all appreciate Governor Ben Ayade, the Pro Chancellor, chancellor and vice chancellor, as well as members of the university community and students for the warm reception and honour.”

He also expressed appreciation to Gov Ayade for nurturing and supporting the university to achieve set goals as well as the founding fathers and former governors of the state for their commitment to ensure capacity building and development of the state, through education.

The Bayelsa Governor, in a press statement by his Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Daniel Alabrah, commended the university for maintaining the tradition of excellence despite the trying times in the country and said that by virtue of the honour, they had become part of the institution's history not only in terms of their assets but also their liabilities.

Gov Dickson assured the institution of his partnership and support to ensure the continuous growth of the university so as to enable achieve its dreams and aspirations.

He also called for more understanding and support for the Cross River State government as well as the leadership of the university and pledged to support the growth of the institution.

Top dignitaries in attendance at the event include the immediate governor of the state, Senator Liyel Imoke; Senator Foster Ogola; and PDP South-South Zonal Vice Chairman, Chief Ben Ogidi.

Others include Vice Chancellor of the University of Africa, Prof. Val Aletor; Bayelsa State Commissioner of Education, Jonathan Obuebite and Commissioner of Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson.

•Photo by Lucky Francis shows Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of Cross River State University of Technology, Dr. Emil Inyang (right) presenting the Certificate of Honorary Doctorate Degree of Environmental Management (honoris causa) to the Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Seriake Dickson (left) during the 6-10th Convocation ceremony of the Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH) Calabar.

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