By Paschal Emeka
Former Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Tourism to the Bayelsa State Government and current Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the BRACED Tourism Promotion & Development Initiative (BTPDI), Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo,
has commended Prince Chris Abasi Eyo for his outstanding contributions to the tourism sector and to the broader BRACED region.
In a birthday tribute to the former Commissioner for Information in Akwa Ibom State on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, Dr. Kiyaramo praised the Oron-born scholar’s expertise in Environment and Development Studies with a focus on Tourism, noting that he has brought significant depth and vision to regional tourism development. He affirmed that BTPDI is proud of Prince Eyo’s contributions and impact in Akwa Ibom State, the South-South, and the nation at large.
“Prince Chris Abasi Eyo is a valuable asset to the tourism sector and the BRACED region,” Dr. Kiyaramo stated. “His work aligns closely with BTPDI’s mandate to promote eco-tourism, cultural heritage, and economic diversification across Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo, and Delta States.”
Dr. Kiyaramo highlighted Prince Eyo’s multidisciplinary background and decades of public service, saying that Prince Eyo holds a Diploma in Communication Arts, a BA in Humanities, two MSc degrees in Development Planning and Rural Sociology/Community Development, and a PhD in Environment and Development Studies with a specialization in Tourism Studies.
“His career spans media, governance, and community relations. He has served as Broadcaster and Producer with Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation, Commissioner for Information in Akwa Ibom State, Honorary Special Adviser to the Governor on Information Management & Public Relations, and Federal Board Member of the National Commission for Nomadic Education. He was also a principal witness for Nigeria in the Bakassi Peninsula case.
“Beyond governance, Prince Eyo is recognized as the pioneer behind the preservation of the Uda language, now formally documented with its own dictionary and orthography through the Colang Institute, USA (2012). He currently chairs both the Oro Think Tank and the Oron Union Centenary Celebration.
“Politically, he has served as Gubernatorial Running Mate (2007, Action Congress), Gubernatorial Aspirant (2015, PDP), Member-elect of the House of Representatives (1998), and Senior Legislative Aide in the National Assembly. He has also been a campaign spokesperson for Obong Victor Attah (2003) and Pastor Umo Eno (2023).
“A devoted family man and mentor, Prince Eyo, holds the chieftaincy title ‘Ubokulo’ of Ukwong Clan in Oron Nation. His interests include reading, research, motivational speaking, and cultural advocacy.
“Prince Eyo embodies a rare blend of scholarship, leadership, and cultural stewardship, bridging governance, media, tourism, and indigenous heritage for Akwa Ibom and the wider South-South region,” Dr. Kiyaramo concluded.
“BTPDI is committed to partnering with seasoned professionals like Prince Eyo to strengthen tourism policy, capacity building, and community engagement across the BRACED states,” Dr. Kiyaramo reiterated.
