Barely two weeks after bestowing honours on notable Nigerians for their roles in shaping the socio-political fabric of the country, the University of Calabar (Unical) has again celebrated one of its own. This time, the institution conferred the Religious Affairs Ambassadorial Award on Archbishop Dr Emmah Isong, National Vice President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), South-South Zone.
The recognition, according to Unical management, is a tribute to Archbishop Isong’s unwavering commitment to spiritual leadership and his profound impact on humanity. It is also a reaffirmation of the university’s guiding principle—Knowledge for Service—which Isong has exemplified throughout his ministerial journey.
Presenting the award at the City of Testimonies, headquarters of Christian Central Chapel International, Ikot Ene-Obong, 8 Miles, Calabar, Vice Chancellor Prof. Florence Obi, represented by Prof. Eyong Ubana, Dean of the College of Graduate Studies and Chairman of the Unical at 50 Anniversary Committee, described the cleric’s contributions as a beacon of the values the institution holds dear.
“We are excited that the knowledge you gained from the University you have used for service to humanity,” Prof. Obi stated. “One of the things we have done during this 50th Anniversary is to give honour to our alumni who have flown the flag of the institution. You are a shining light, carrying the emblem of our great university to the ends of the earth.”
Speaking further, Prof. Ubana, accompanied by the Executive Secretary of the Unical NUGA Games, Dr. Dorn Cklaimz Enamhe, emphasised that Archbishop Isong’s teachings and values align perfectly with the ethos of the university. “We understand spiritual leadership and the tutelage that you have provided. We recognised what you are doing—that you are helping to propagate that which the University of Calabar stands for.”
He continued, “We understand your contribution to humanity, to our institution, to the few who are here, to those represented, and to the multitude out there. Very few persons earn the title ‘Great Malabite (GM)’. You are a great man.”
In his response, Archbishop Dr Emmah Isong, visibly elated by the honour, expressed gratitude to the management of his alma mater, assuring that the award would serve as renewed motivation to continue rendering selfless service to humanity. “I am deeply honoured,” he said. “This recognition will inspire me to serve even more passionately, to uplift lives, and to continue being a worthy ambassador of our great university.”
