CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – Dr Orok Otu Duke, the Cross River State representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has taken to social media to celebrate two significant academic achievements within his nuclear and extended families, a trait which reflects his long-standing commitment to family, mentorship, and community support.
In a pair of touching tributes posted on his verified Facebook page on Wednesday and Thursday, Duke first congratulated Amayo Orok Duke, his daughter, for her remarkable academic feat of earning multiple advanced degrees from prestigious institutions in the United Kingdom.
“The parents, family, and community get elated and excited when their masquerade dances very well in the market square,” he wrote with poetic pride. “Amayo Orok Duke, well done!”
Amayo’s academic résumé includes a Bachelor of Arts from Royal Holloway, University of London, and three master’s degrees from the University of Westminster, Goldsmiths College, University of London, and London College of Fashion (University of the Arts, London).
On Thursday, Duke shared a deeply emotional story about Precious Aderemi, the first daughter of his late friend and colleague, the late broadcaster and actress Ethel Ekpe, who passed away in the United States after a brief illness. According to Duke, Aderemi and her sibling were left in his care after their mother’s untimely demise.
“Today, my family and I accompanied Precious Aderemi to pick up her first degree from the University of Essex, England,” Duke wrote, announcing her graduation and expressing continued commitment to the well-being of Ethel Ekpe’s daughters. “We are still here for your children,” he added, paying a heartfelt tribute to the late media icon.
The twin celebrations have since drawn praise and admiration from members of the public, especially on social media. Felicia Ebong, in a comment under the post, wrote: “Thanks for always being there to help and support when it comes to academy and health. God bless you. Congratulations dear!”
Another user, Glory Odokwo-Adetumbi, lauded the family’s gesture of love and continuity: “Thank you Honourable and to your beautiful family for this act of kindness. May Aunty Ekamma’s soul continue to rest in peace. Amen.”
