Cross River Finance Commissioner, Mike Odere, Honoured for Exemplary Leadership and Integrity

  By Genesis Ogiri, Abuja

ABUJA - It was a gathering of brilliance, honour, and national reflection as the Cross River State Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Mike Odere, was bestowed with the Exemplary Leadership and Integrity Award by the Centre for Ethical Conduct Orientation and Empowerment (CECOE) during the 2025 National Ethical Leadership Summit held at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja.

The high-profile event, themed “From Potential to Prosperity: Powering National Development through Ethical Leadership and Institutional Excellence,” drew a distinguished audience of policy experts, diplomats, technocrats, business executives, and youth leaders from across the federation. The evening sparkled with recognition for Nigerians whose careers have been marked by accountability, discipline, and moral fortitude in public service.

Dr. Odere’s recognition underscored his exemplary record in public finance administration and his contribution to fiscal innovation, transparency, and reform-driven governance in Cross River State. His award, according to CECOE, symbolized a reaffirmation of his steadfast commitment to ethical leadership and national transformation through responsible financial management.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Mike Odere expressed deep gratitude to the Executive Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, for entrusting him with a leadership role that allows him to contribute meaningfully to the State’s reform agenda.

 “This recognition is not just about me,” Dr. Odere noted. “It represents a new wave of ethical consciousness in our public institutions. Integrity remains the foundation of sustainable progress, and I am deeply humbled by this honour.”

He further commended the organizers of the award for their sustained advocacy in promoting ethics and good governance, describing the award as “an inspiration to remain resolute in upholding accountability and transparency as core pillars of public service.”

Speaking to young Nigerians, the Commissioner urged the youth to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital technology, and innovation as modern tools for empowerment and global competitiveness.

 “You don’t need to japa to succeed,” he emphasized. “With the right skills in AI and technology, you can train yourself here in Nigeria, work remotely for international organizations, and earn in dollars. The world is now digital — opportunity belongs to those who innovate.”

Dr. Odere, known for his humility and discipline, also used the platform to call for a revival of moral consciousness and ethical values among the youth.

 “We must return to our roots of morality,” he urged. “Respecting elders is a mark of good ethical conduct — we need their guidance. We must also be ethically conscious in our dealings because morality is part of our African culture. Sadly, people no longer ask how youths make money; this should not be so. We must revive moral discipline and ethical responsibility in our society.”

In his remarks, the Coordinator of CECOE, Dr. David Owah, praised Dr. Odere as a reform-driven technocrat whose commitment to ethical governance continues to inspire confidence in Nigeria’s public institutions.

 “Dr. Mike Odere represents the model of leadership Nigeria urgently needs — principled, visionary, and people-oriented,” Owah said. “His ethical approach to governance and his passion for financial accountability have set him apart as a beacon of reform within and beyond Cross River State.”

In an era where ethical leadership is the cornerstone of national transformation, Dr. Odere’s recognition stands as a shining affirmation that integrity, innovation, and visionary governance remain the true drivers of sustainable prosperity in Nigeria.

The event concluded with rounds of applause as dignitaries, civil servants, and youth leaders celebrated the honourees for championing integrity, moral leadership, and ethical reawakening — values seen as the cornerstones for rebuilding Nigeria’s institutional credibility and national identity.

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