By Okoi Obono-Obla
I recently reconnected with a young friend, Prince Victor Akpam, whom I had lost contact with for about two years. Our last meeting was in 2023, when he visited me in Abuja to seek support for his aspiration to contest as Chairman of Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State. I found him intelligent, smart, savvy, and ambitious. Today, he called to inform me of his new aspiration: contesting for the seat of Obudu, Belwarra, and Obanliku Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives under the platform of the newly formed National Democratic Coalition (NDC). Previously, he had sought a ticket under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), but due to the party’s internal challenges, he has now aligned with the NDC.
Early Life and Education:
Prince Victor Akpam was born on 23rd November 1986 in Obudu. He is the first son of his parents and heir apparent to the Uti Otiribi Dynasty of the Great Kingdom of Umung in Ukpada-Utugwang. He attended St. Colman’s Primary School (1992–1996) and Ukpada Community Secondary School, Utugwang, before gaining admission to the prestigious Federal Science College, Ogoja (Fedsco) in 2000. He completed his Senior Secondary Education at Fedsco in 2003.
Military Service and Academic Pursuits:
In 2005, Victor enlisted in the Nigerian Navy as a Project and Logistics Technician, serving as a Seaman. While in service, he pursued higher education at the National Open University of Nigeria, Akoka, graduating in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc. Hons) degree in Cooperatives Management. In 2016, he enrolled at the University of Calabar for a Master’s in International Marketing, graduating in 2020 with an M.Sc. in Social Marketing. Driven by his passion for advanced education, Victor voluntarily retired from the Navy in 2019 as a Petty Officer (PO). He later pursued a Ph.D. in Advertising and Public Relations at the University of Calabar, which he has concluded and awaits his viva and convocation.
Political Career:
After retiring from the Navy, Victor contested for the office of Chairman of Obudu Local Government Area under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 2019. In 2023, he ran for the State House of Assembly Election for Obudu State Constituency under the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP). During this period, he survived a kidnapping incident following a heated assassination attempt, and was released in February 2023.
Professional Achievements:
Victor is a prolific writer, author, publisher, and advocate for Africanism. He is also a certified Network Administrator. His works include several books, articles, and journals available on Amazon and other platforms. One of his most notable publications is Ukpada: An Unconquered Monarchy, a political-historical documentary of the Bantu people of Utugwang and Northern Cross River. This work has inspired the scripting of an epic movie series currently in production in Obudu.
Vision and Drive:
Victor’s aspiration for the Federal House of Representatives is anchored on effective representation, people-centered leadership, and accountability. He emphasizes transparency, checks and balances, and socioeconomic engineering. His military background equips him with the expertise to enhance security for his people, while his academic and professional knowledge positions him to advance socioeconomic development in Obudu, Belwarra, and Obanliku.
Conclusion:
Prince Victor Akpam embodies the qualities of a leader who is both visionary and pragmatic. His blend of military discipline, academic excellence, and political resilience makes him a square peg in a square hole. His commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance underscores his readiness to serve and uplift his constituency.
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