Photo: Sen. Ndoma-Egba cutting the birthday cake
By Michael Jegede
On March 8, 2026, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), quintessential leader, and esteemed statesman, marked a significant milestone in his life as he celebrated his 70th birthday. The occasion was a testament to his dedication to public service and leadership.
A prominent figure in Nigerian politics and former Senate Leader, Ndoma-Egba, who belongs to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has served in various positions of authority, leaving an indelible mark on the country’s political landscape. His track record of excellence, sterling leadership style and life of integrity have earned him great admiration among Nigerians.
The celebration of his 70th birthday held at his residence in Abuja brought together dignitaries, friends, and well-wishers from within and outside the country to honour his legacy and enormous contributions to nation-building, democratic sustenance and national unity. Some of the eminent personalities who were on ground to celebrate Ndoma-Egba at 70 were former Senate President, Senator David Mark, erstwhile Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen and his wife, former Governor of Cross River State, Liyel Imoke, one-time Minister of Justice & Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Chief Bayo Ojo, and his wife, Justice Folashade Ojo, a Justice of the Court of Appeal.
Others include the Speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Senator Eteng Williams, Hon Victor Abang, Mr. Fred Eno of United Nations, Mr and Mrs Jorge Adelt of Julius Berger, Chairman of NDDC, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, Chairman Okitipupa Oil Palm Plc, Chief Bankole Oluwajana, MD/CEO of South-South Development Commission (SSDC), Miss Usoro Akpabio, Executive Director (Finance & Administration) of SSDC, Ambassador Soni Abang, the new Vice-Chancellor (VC) of FUOYE, Professor Joshua Ogunwole, and the immediate past VC, Professor Abayomi Fasina.
With numerous awards, honours and accolades, including the conferment of the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) and Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), Ndoma-Egba’s impact transcends politics. He is a strong advocate for education and community growth, with initiatives that have considerably impacted the lives of many. For instance, through his elaborate scholarship scheme, Ndoma-Egba, who became a federal board member at the young age of 24 and State Commissioner at 27, has sponsored the education of about 1,000 students from Cross River Central Senatorial District at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Over 18,000 Nigerians have benefited from his free computer education training programme.
It was Ndoma-Egba who, as the Senator representing Cross River Central in the Red Chamber, facilitated the building of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) Faculty of Law Complex named after him and commissioned by the late President Muhammadu Buhari. He equally influenced the setting up of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Study Centre in Ikom Local Government Area (LGA), Cross River State, said to have immensely benefited the inhabitants of the community and its environs.
Reports indicated that by the end of his 12-year sojourn (2003 – 2015), he had facilitated over 1,000 employment opportunities and attracted nearly 100 projects to his constituency. He distributed over 200 cars and 250 laptops to different members of his constituency as part of his empowerment initiative. Impactful projects initiated by Ndoma-Egba while in the Senate cut across different sectors – from education, infrastructure, health, water to electricity.
A talented and cerebral lawyer, Ndoma-Egba, whose experience, knowledge and wisdom make him an asset to the nation, contributed robustly to debates and discussions on the floor of the Red Chamber, possessing the record of sponsoring the highest bills in his time with about 40 bills in his kitty, which included the celebrated Freedom of Information (FoI) bill now FoI Act.
In his congratulatory message to Ndoma-Egba at 70, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT), described the ex-Senate Leader as a patriot and statesman who distinguished himself in the legal profession and the National Assembly.
The President through a press release signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga extolled “the virtues of the Senate Leader of the 7th National Assembly for his outstanding interventions during critical moments, such as when the country was in the throes of a leadership crisis. The Senate rose to the occasion.”
President Tinubu remarked: “I rejoice with family, friends and associates of one of the finest legal luminaries and statesmen in the country on this important milestone of turning 70.
“Senator Ndoma-Egba has served the country well in many capacities. He has been a stabilising force in public service and politics. It is on record that he remains the first and only lawyer to date to earn the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria while in the Senate.
“I congratulate Ndoma-Egba on his 70th birthday and wish him more years and good health as he continues to serve Nigeria and humanity.”
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, a colleague of Ndoma-Egba in the Seventh Senate, paid glowing tribute to the FUOYE Pro-Chancellor, describing him as “a towering jurist, statesman and patriot whose life has enriched both Cross River State and the Nigerian federation.”
In a statement issued by Mr. Linus Obogo, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the governor, Otu, popularly known as Sweet Prince, said: “On this special milestone of your seventieth birthday, I extend my warmest felicitations to you, my dear elder brother, mentor and distinguished compatriot. Your life has been a shining testament to the rare union of intellect, discipline and public virtue.
“From the august courts where you adorned the Bar with forensic brilliance, to the red chamber of the National Assembly where you served with dignity and commanding insight, your career has been guided by fidelity to principle and devotion to the progress of Cross River State and Nigeria.
“Your stewardship at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) bore the unmistakable imprint of wisdom, refinement of thought and steadfast patriotism. You demonstrated that public office can indeed be guided by restraint, integrity and a profound sense of responsibility.”
The governor described Ndoma-Egba as a custodian of institutional memory and a moral compass for younger generations of leaders emerging within Cross River State and beyond, saying that, “At seventy, your legacy gleams brightly in the firmament of Nigerian public life. You remain a beacon of statesmanship whose counsel continues to illuminate the path of responsible leadership.
“On behalf of the Government and the good people of Cross River State, I celebrate your enduring contributions and pray that Providence grants you robust health, abiding peace and many more years of sagacious guidance to our state and country. Cross River is proud of you, and Nigeria is richer for your service.”
The new VC of FUOYE, Professor Joshua Ogunwole described Ndoma-Egba as an astute administrator, great motivator and team player who does not condone indiscipline and impunity.
In his words, “Distinguished Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, our respected Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, is an icon in Public and legal service, an astute administrator and a strategist. He is a kind-hearted gentleman who frowns at indiscipline and impunity. He would always have a full grasp of anything before addressing it. Chairman can be as humorous as he can be serious. He appreciates meticulousness and expects the best from his team.”
The FUOYE VC, Professor Ogunwole, wished Ndoma-Egba well at 70 and prayed for God’s blessings, favour and guidance upon him as he continues to make meaningful contributions to national development and societal advancement.
On his part, the immediate past FUOYE VC, Professor Fasina, in a statement, said: “On behalf of my family, I join other well-wishers across the globe to heartily congratulate and celebrate the amiable Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Distinguished Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, SAN, OFR, CON, on the glorious occasion of his 70th birthday.
“Senator Ndoma-Egba, a distinguished leader of integrity and courage, known for his intellectual acumen, unwavering passion for education and tireless commitment to promoting peace and national unity, has made remarkably significant contributions to Nigeria’s development.
“At 70, it can be clearly seen that the astute legal luminary, respected statesman and ex-parliamentarian of note, who, in my estimation, is the best Senate Leader ever produced by the Nigerian Senate, has lived a life of fulfilment worthy of emulation and commendation.
“The FUOYE community is indeed fortunate to have him as the university’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council. His wealth of experience and influence in the political terrain, have been quite beneficial to the 15-year-old FUOYE. He has demonstrated visionary, pragmatic and proactive leadership keeping FUOYE on the path of progress and sustainable development.”
“As he climbs the seventh floor and continues to impact FUOYE’s community and the society at large, it is my prayer that God’s grace, mercy, and protection will never cease to be upon him.”
The member of House of Representatives representing Boki/Ikom Federal Constituency, the Chief of Staff to Senator Ndoma-Egba during his term as Chairman of NDDC, while congratulating his former boss, maintained that he stood as a pride of Cross River State and the nation, embodying a tradition of principled leadership, intellectual depth, and public service.
Hon Abang, in a statement by Simon Abang, his Personal Assistant (PA) on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, stated: “Distinguished Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba is a towering statesman whose life reflects discipline, brilliance and unwavering commitment to the service of Nigeria. His journey from the Bar to the pinnacle of legislative leadership remains a shining example to generations of young Nigerians who aspire to serve with integrity and purpose.
“His constant touch with our people and his encouragement to emerging leaders are not accidental gestures but a reflection of his belief in an egalitarian and progressive society where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.”
The entire staff and students of Start-Rite Schools, an Abuja-based co-educational institution founded by the late wife of Ndoma-Egba, Amaka, were excited to be part of the milestone celebration of the school’s Advisory Board Chairman.
A statement by the school’s Media and Communications Unit reads: “On the joyous occasion of his 70th birthday, the entire community of Start-Rite Schools excitedly celebrates our dear Chairman, Distinguished Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, OFR, CON, LL.D., SAN.
“This milestone offers us a unique moment to honour a life marked by distinguished national service, intellectual excellence, and steadfast leadership. Across Nigeria’s legal, legislative, and cultural institutions, your voice has long commanded respect. Yet within the Start-Rite community, we know you most closely as a wise guide, a principled leader, and a fatherly presence whose commitment continues to shape the character and direction of our school.
‘As Chairman of the Start-Rite Schools Advisory Board, your stewardship has strengthened our vision and reinforced our pursuit of excellence. With resolve and thoughtful counsel, you have helped guide the school through important seasons of growth while preserving the standards and values that define the Start-Rite identity. Your leadership affirms that strong institutions are built not only through vision, but through discipline, consistency, and care for people.”
Ndoma-Egba’s 70th birthday thanksgiving mass held at the Gaudium Et Spes Institute (GSI), Asokoro, a resource centre for the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, was officiated by Reverend Father Bob Etta, Chairman, Governing Council, Cross River State College of Education, Akamkpa and Special Adviser on Tertiary Education Fund (TETFUND) to Governor Bassey Edet Otu, with over seven priests in attendance. At the mass, Ndoma-Egba, a devout Catholic and Papal Knight of Saint Sylvester, who had wanted to be a priest, was lauded for the remarkable role he has played in the growth of the Centre as the Church Development Project Committee Chairman.
Michael Jegede, a journalist, writes from Abuja
