Evangelist Ayo Orebowale Udo has been honoured by the Yoruba Community in Akwa Ibom State, with the title of ‘Yeye Yoruba of Akwa Ibom’ bestowed on her.
She was conferred with the honour on Sunday, June 15, 2025, while celebrating her 92nd birthday at her Uyo residence.
Evangelist Ayo Udo, who hails from Odogbolu in Ogun State, married Obong Asuquo Ekpe Udo, a foremost educationist and former Chairman Teaching Service Commission in the then Cross River State.
She has lived in South Eastern Nigeria since 1962 upon her return from the United States of America.
According to Professor Isaac Ayanyinka Ayandele, the immediate past chairman, Committee of Deans, University of Uyo and President of Yoruba Community, Akwa Ibom State, the honour is in recognition of the nonagenarian’s long stay in the “Land of Promise” and contributions to education in the state.
“The Yoruba Community in Akwa Ibom State hereby honours and confers upon Evangelist Ayo Orebowale Udo the title of ‘Yeye Yoruba of Akwa Ibom’ in recognition of her sterling qualities and selfless service to education in Akwa Ibom State and humanity.
“We are delighted to recognise the worthy achievements of a Yoruba who has lived in South South Nigeria for over 60 years despite the passing of her husband many years ago. Indeed, we salute her resilience, perseverance and service to humanity in Akwa Ibom.
“She is a shining example of inter-ethnic marriage, promoting peaceful co-existence among different tribes in Nigeria.
“We have therefore deemed it befitting to use the occasion of her 92nd birthday as the auspicious moment for this honour,” Prof. Ayandele, who is also President General, Yoruba Community, South-South/South-East zones of Nigeria, stated further.
The honouree, Evangelist Udo, in acceptance of the honour, appreciated the Yoruba Community in Akwa Ibom for the recognition and the Yeye Yoruba title.
She admonished the Yoruba Community members to be good ambassadors of the Yoruba race in the true spirit of the Omoluabl ethos.
She emphasised the need for strong faith in God and preached endurance, diligence, respect, responsibility and good character upholding good moral values, noting that she is proud to see many of her students and wards doing well across the globe.
The brief event was witnessed by the executive and members of the Yoruba Community in Akwa Ibom, as well as and Udo family members, including the honourees’ children and grandchildren.
