Distinguished Fellows and members of the Soil Science Society of Nigeria,
On behalf of the Executive Committee and the entire membership of the Soil Science Society of Nigeria (SSSN), I wish to congratulate Prof. Ivara Esu on his well-deserved re-election and the swearing in on May 29th, 2019 as the Deputy Governor of Cross River State.
Prof. Esu, an accomplished academic, has published numerous International and national articles, journals and books of repute which have become reference points. He has served variously in many capacities in the academia including as Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, 1995 – 1998, Ag Provost, 1996 – 1998, and Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Cross River State, 2000 – 2005. As an astute administrator, Prof. Ivara Esu has also served this nation in numerous capacities: He was Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Rural Development, Cross River State, 1992 – 1993, Chairman Management Board of the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, 2009 – Date, Honourable Minister of State for Tourism, Culture and National Orientation and member of the Federal Executive Council January – May, 2007.
It is also worthy of note that Prof. Esu has received numerous honours and awards due to his enviable achievements in the society. He was elected a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Administrators of Nigeria and received a Distinguished Award by the same institute 2003. More so, he is a double recipient of the prestigious Appreciation Award from the National Universities Commission (NUC), 2003 & 2004. Prof. Esu also received the 2004 Cross River State Honours/Merit Award and the 2005 Nigerian National Honours Award. Most recently, he was a delegate to the 2014 National Conference where he spoke eloquently on various pressing national issues including the passage of the Nigerian Institute of Soil Science Bill into law.
As a Fellow of the Soil Science Society of Nigeria and an Ex-Officio member of the Executive Council, the society is very proud of his achievements particularly in his bold reforms in soil science and Nigeria’s agriculture sector as a whole.
Once again, may I on behalf of the Soil Science Society of Nigeria congratulate Prof Esu and wish him success in the continuation of his assignment as the Deputy Governor in Cross River State. We pray for good health and the wisdom to continue to be a good ambassador of our society.
