By Isaac Aqua (Guest Writer)
Today, February 14, 2026, Professor Sandy Ojang Onor turns 60. It is a milestone that invites not only celebration but reflection on a life that has journeyed from the quiet remoteness of Nsofang in Cross River State to the commanding heights of academia and national politics.
Born on Valentine’s Day in 1966, Professor Onor’s story is one of transcendence orchestrated by divine benevolence.From a community accessible by road only in the dry season and by river during the rains, he emerged with a determination that defied geography. That humble beginning continues to shape his worldview, grounding his politics in empathy and his scholarship in social consciousness.
His flair for academic excellence became evident during his secondary school days at Saint Brendan College, Iyamoyong, Obubra, where his outstanding performance set him apart as a student of promise. At the University of Calabar, he distinguished himself early, graduating with a Second Class Upper Division in History and earning recognition as the best graduating student in his class. He proceeded to obtain a doctorate in African History before the age of 30 and rose through the ranks to become a Professor of History and International Studies. His intellectual contributions on Nigerian unity, governance and identity have earned him respect within academic circles at home and abroad.
Yet his calling extended beyond the lecture halls. Professor Onor ventured into public service, first as Executive Chairman of Etung Local Government Council, later as Chairman of the Cross River State Local Government Service Commission, and subsequently as Commissioner for Agriculture and Commissioner for Environment. As Commissioner for Environment, he played a notable role in sustaining and advancing the environmental vision that positioned Calabar as one of Nigeria’s cleanest and most serene cities during and after the administration of Donald Duke. Each role broadened his administrative depth and sharpened his engagement with grassroots realities.
Senator Onor’s abiding commitment to a united and vibrant Cross River, flourishing in the richness of its diversity, is firmly anchored in his empirical historical scholarship. Through painstaking research and reflective inquiry, he illuminates a profound truth that the people of the state are bound together by shared affinities, intertwined dialects and a common cultural ethos. He regards Cross River not as a mosaic of parochial interests, but as one cohesive community sustained by shared purpose and mutual respect. To Onor, the enduring strength of the state lies in the harmony of its diversity.
This distinguished doyen of Cross River has consistently championed harmony and cordiality among its people, despite the remarkable presence of over 200 dialects across the state. His relentless pursuit of unity has earned him enviable honours, chief among them the rare and highly coveted titles of Irunandu of Africa, Mfona Mon Akor Mfam of Ajassor, Efun Efun Afor Ndumine of Etung and Ntufam Eweng Ofam of Qua Land, among others.
In 2019, he was elected Senator for Cross River Central under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party. In the 9th Senate, presided over by Senator Ahmad Lawan, he earned the enduring title of Orator of the 9th Senate. His speeches were marked by structure, intellectual clarity and a calm authority that elevated debate above partisanship.
At 60, Professor Onor speaks of fulfillment without complacency. He attributes his journey not only to hard work and intellect but to divine grace. He describes himself as a child of grace, humbled by how far he has come and mindful of the responsibilities that come with influence. His philosophy rests on two pillars: service to humanity and the fear of God. All achievements, he insists, must be interpreted within that moral framework.
His birth on Valentine’s Day has come to symbolize his disposition toward life and politics. He advocates love over hate, forgiveness over bitterness, and describes politics as a game rather than a war. Even in moments of political contest, including his 2023 governorship bid in Cross River State, he has maintained a tone of restraint and principled engagement.
As he enters his seventh decade, Professor Sandy Onor embodies a rare blend of scholarship and statecraft. He remains a mentor to many young people, urging them to pursue education, embrace faith, and approach life with optimism and integrity. His message is clear: your place of birth is not your limit, and with discipline, intellect and the grace of Almighty God, you can rise beyond circumstance.
At 60, he is fulfilled yet expectant, reflective yet forward looking. The journey from Nsofang to the Senate chamber is already remarkable. The chapters ahead, by his own account, remain unwritten.
Today, as tributes pour in from colleagues, students, political associates and admirers, Cross River State celebrates not just the birthday of an icon, erudite scholar and seasoned technocrat, but a life shaped by ideas, anchored in faith and dedicated to service to humanity irrespective of circumstance or partisan colouration.
As he steps into his seventh decade, Professor Sandy Onor does not present himself as a finished monument but as a work still in motion. His story, etched in scholarship, service and steadfast faith, reminds us that leadership is not merely about titles held but about values sustained. From the river paths of Nsofang to the red chambers of national debate, his journey affirms that intellect guided by conscience can indeed leave a lasting imprint.
At 60, he stands reflective yet forward looking, grateful yet ambitious for greater good. If the first six decades are any measure, the chapters ahead will continue to blend thought with action, conviction with compassion and ambition with humility. In celebrating him today, we are not only marking the passage of time. We are saluting a life that has consistently sought to prove that ideas matter, integrity endures and service remains the highest calling.