A wave of celebration, pride, and gratitude has swept through Oghara Kingdom in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State following the remarkable academic achievement of Princess Dr. Ziregbe Eshemitan, daughter of His Royal Majesty Noble Oyibo Eshemitan, FCA, Uku Oghara N’ame, Orefe III, the Ovie of Oghara Kingdom. She emerged as the Best Graduating Medical Student of the University of Calabar (UNICAL).

The prestigious honour was announced during the Doctors’ Oath-Taking Ceremony held on June 22, 2026, at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, where Dr. Eshemitan distinguished herself through exceptional academic performance, clinical excellence, discipline, resilience, and unwavering dedication throughout her medical training.

Her achievement has been widely celebrated as a landmark accomplishment, not only for the Eshemitan Royal Family but also for Oghara Kingdom, Delta State, and the Niger Delta region. It reflects the enduring values of hard work, integrity, perseverance, and educational excellence long associated with the royal household.

Observers have described the feat as more than an academic success. It symbolizes the triumph of merit, determination, and intellectual excellence, demonstrating that true royalty is expressed not only through heritage but also through service, character, and personal achievement.

His Royal Majesty Noble Oyibo Eshemitan expressed immense joy over his daughter’s accomplishment, describing it as one of the proudest moments of his reign and family life. He was joined by members of the royal family, traditional chiefs, community leaders, medical professionals, academics, friends, and well-wishers in celebrating the milestone.

Congratulatory messages have continued to pour in from across Nigeria, with traditional rulers, government officials, educational institutions, professional bodies, and community organizations describing the achievement as a source of pride for Oghara Kingdom and Delta State.

Education stakeholders have also praised Dr. Eshemitan’s outstanding performance, noting that her success serves as a powerful inspiration to young Nigerians. They emphasized that excellence remains attainable through discipline, focus, sacrifice, consistency, and determination despite prevailing challenges.

The University of Calabar College of Medical Sciences is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s leading medical institutions. The award for Best Graduating Medical Student is among its highest academic honours, reserved for students who demonstrate exceptional performance throughout years of rigorous academic study, clinical training, research, examinations, and professional assessments.

Speaking shortly after the oath-taking ceremony, Dr. Eshemitan attributed her success to God’s grace, the unwavering support of her family, and years of hard work.

“I give all glory to Almighty God for making this achievement possible. The journey through medical school was demanding and challenging, but God sustained me every step of the way. This recognition is proof that hard work, discipline, consistency, and faith produce outstanding results.”

She expressed heartfelt appreciation to her parents, particularly her father, His Royal Majesty Noble Oyibo Eshemitan, for his encouragement, guidance, prayers, and steadfast support throughout her academic journey. She also thanked her mother, lecturers, mentors, colleagues, and friends for their invaluable contributions.

Encouraging young Nigerians to remain committed to their aspirations, she urged them not to allow temporary setbacks or difficult circumstances to discourage them from pursuing excellence.

“This award is not merely a personal accomplishment. It is a reminder of the responsibility that comes with knowledge and professional training. As I begin my career in medicine, I am committed to serving humanity with compassion, integrity, professionalism, and dedication.”

In his remarks, the Ovie of Oghara Kingdom thanked Almighty God for granting his daughter the wisdom, strength, and grace to excel in one of the world’s most demanding professions.

“As a father, I am immensely proud of Dr. Ziregbe’s accomplishment. Her success is the product of years of discipline, sacrifice, commitment, and faith. This achievement sends a strong message to our young people that excellence is attainable through hard work and determination.”

The monarch also commended the University of Calabar and its College of Medical Sciences for maintaining high academic standards and producing competent medical professionals capable of contributing meaningfully to healthcare delivery in Nigeria and beyond.

Reaffirming his commitment to educational development and youth empowerment, the royal father emphasized that investment in education remains one of the most effective pathways to sustainable community development and national progress.

Community leaders described the achievement as a reflection of Oghara Kingdom’s longstanding commitment to human capital development. They noted that under the leadership of His Royal Majesty Noble Oyibo Eshemitan, educational advancement has continued to receive strong encouragement and support.

Residents also hailed Dr. Eshemitan’s success as a victory for every young person striving for excellence, expressing confidence that her accomplishment will inspire future generations of students from Oghara Kingdom and beyond.

As Princess Dr. Ziregbe Eshemitan formally joins the medical profession, expectations remain high that she will uphold the highest standards of ethics, compassion, and professionalism while making meaningful contributions to healthcare and national development.

Indeed, June 22, 2026, will be remembered as a historic day in Oghara Kingdom—a day when a royal daughter was crowned not only by birth but also by merit, knowledge, diligence, and academic excellence.

For the Eshemitan Royal Family, Oghara Kingdom, Delta State, and Nigeria as a whole, Dr. Ziregbe Eshemitan’s emergence as the Best Graduating Medical Student at UNICAL represents far more than academic distinction. It is a beacon of hope, a celebration of excellence, and a powerful reminder that greatness belongs to those who dare to dream, work diligently, and remain steadfast in the pursuit of their goals.

With hearts full of gratitude, the royal family and the people of Oghara Kingdom give all glory, honour, and thanksgiving to Almighty God for this extraordinary achievement.