A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Humphrey Uche Udechukwu, has eulogised former Governor of Cross River State, Senator Benedict Bengioushuye Ayade, for what could be described as his far-reaching contributions to human development and empowerment in the state.

Fr. Udechukwu, who is the Head Priest of St. Charles Catholic Church, Odudu, while discussing about gratitude to God as a helper, including others highlighted Ayade as an exemplary leader likely due to his human capital development being the centrepiece of his administration, as empowering people was the former governor’s most enduring development strategy.

The priest spoke on Saturday during a thanksgiving service held in honour of the promotion and appointment of a senior military officer, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Arone Undiandeye, the Chief of Defence Intelligence. The service took place at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bedia, Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State.

In his homily, Fr. Udechukwu placed Ayade in the spotlight, and used the former Govenor and Lawmaker as an exemplary leader while describing the lack of gratitude and increase of entitlement in Nigerian society, possibly referencing Senator Ayade’s painstaking efforts and sacrifices in empowering and support his people.

Ayade’s administration was driven by a clear belief that the true wealth of any society lies in its people, not just in infrastructure or natural resources.

“He believed strongly in building people. He invested time, resources, and political capital into ensuring that Cross River sons and daughters were empowered and given opportunities to grow,” the priest said.

Fr. Udechukwu noted that the former governor went beyond state boundaries to position Cross River indigenes at the federal level, placing many of them in strategic decision-making offices across different sectors.

However, the priest expressed disappointment that some of those who benefited from these opportunities failed to live up to expectations.

The thanksgiving ceremony, which also doubled as a homecoming celebration for the Obudu-born intelligence chief, attracted a large crowd of dignitaries and worshippers.

Those in attendance included senior military officers, government officials, traditional rulers, clergy, and members of the public from within and outside Cross River State.

Lt. Gen. Undiandeye, a highly respected 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 the nation’s security architecture.

Speakers at the event described his appointment as a source of pride not only to Obudu and Cross River State, but to the entire nation, noting that his career reflects discipline, loyalty, and dedication to national service.

The church service was marked by prayers, thanksgiving, and reflections on leadership, service, and responsibility, with emphasis on the need for leaders to use their positions to uplift others.

For many attendees, the event was more than a celebration; it was a moment to reflect on leadership, legacy, and the lasting value of investing in people.

Ayade, who served as governor of Cross River State from 2015 to 2023, is an academic-turned-politician and former professor of environmental science. He was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party before defecting to the All Progressives Congress in 2021.

During his tenure, Ayade pursued an industrialisation-driven agenda, championing projects such as the Deep Sea Port, Super Highway, Rice Seedling Factory and other state-owned manufacturing initiatives. His administration also focused on infrastructure expansion and economic diversification, although some projects generated public debate concerning his decision to empower indigenes to manage these infrastructures instead of outsourcing professionals from other states.

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