I am a bonafide member of UCTAAA from 2022 and have benefitted from this Association in many ways – socially, morally, financially and otherwise. All thanks to UCTAAA I have met and connected with people I wouldn’t have been able to meet or interact with. And since I joined UCTAAA, I have come to understand that LOVE is the ultimate, HUMILITY is the watchword, PATIENCE is the key and TOLERANCE is the background when dealing with people. Long Live UCTAAA!!!!!
Asari Essien, Class of 2006
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our Global President, Dr. Mrs. Rita Amunchienwa and the entire Executive Committee of ‘The Courtyard: University of Calabar Theatre Arts Alumni Association (UCTAAA)’, for constantly initiating life-changing projects. I am a beneficiary of one such Project when I took part in the 2022 UCTAAA Poetry Competition, and having come third, was rewarded with a wonderful prize. That experience rekindled my love for poetry, and having to face the Panel reminded me of my Project defence, as I had to prepare adequately for the exercise. Also, and like many others in the Association, I have equally been blessed by our Global President’s magnanimity. Indeed, I have been deeply touched by Dr. Rita’s thoughtfulness, alongside other members of the Exco and larger Group, who have carried out philanthropic deeds by sending cash and other gifts to members, not only on festive occasions but frequently. UCTAAA is without doubt a loving family and I am truly grateful to Almighty God for making me a vital part of this wonderful Family.
Iquo Okon
Great UCTAANs! Great!!!!!
First, I want to thank God for connecting me to my roots. I joined this great Association during the 2022 Reunion and I must confess that even though I’ve been part of so many Associations, there’s no denying that UCTAAA is about the best one has identified with. Of a truth, UCTAAA has revolutionized my entire life and granted me free, unimpeded access to people that ordinarily, I could only have imagined; people who have selflessly and graciously impacted my life in many ways than one. UCTAAA is indeed a melting pot where everybody is given a sense of belonging. And the love level is simply out of this world, because it was when I became part of this Family that I understood the true meaning of Agape love – where everyone is looking at being a blessing to the other!
What a Family!
To be frank, I’m overwhelmed by the love, warmth, togetherness and selflessness that pervade the Group, and it is my prayer that the love I have tasted shall continue to bind and keep us together. Long live great UCTAAA!!
Grace Ishagba Amama, Class of 2006
I’m a diehard UCTAAAN of the Cradle Courtyard, and being a Member of UCTAAA has been [and continues to be] of immense benefit to me, financially and otherwise. I appreciate from the depth of my heart, and will ever remain grateful to this great Association for the love that binds us. This Family stood by [and with] me throughout my trying moments, and it is my prayer that Almighty God shall continue to strengthen every one of us! Long live UCTAAA Worldwide!
Agnes Ekpenyong Okon (a.k.a General), Class of 2004.
A GRAND TESTIMONY
I was diagnosed of Sickle Cell from birth and living with the ailment has been very painful. During my University days, l was admitted severally in the hospital and got blood transfusions so many times. There have been terrible moments that are simply indescribable, not to mention stigmatization, unemployment and the consequential low self esteem! However, I began to enjoy a new lease of life in 2019 when General Aggie invited me to join the Cradle Family, where I was welcomed warmly, without discrimination and began to experience true, unblemished love in action. I give all thanks and praise to the Almighty God who used UCTAAA to still the raging storms in my life. My sincere gratitude goes to the Global Exco and the Cradle Family, as well as every single member of this wonderful family for giving me a sense of belonging, making me feel loved and worthy. I shall always be indebted to your unstinting prayers, care, moral and financial support. Assuredly, this good God shall reward your labor of love towards me [and others like me] immeasurably, in the mighty Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Ernest Eshiet, Class of 1998 [Diploma Class]
UCTAAA! I have never seen an Alumni Association that is always there and looks out for its Members and their welfare. I have personally gained from this wonderful association morally and financially. And now there’s even the opportunity for me to visit the United States of America! Wow! That indeed would be a dream come true. And all made possible by this awesome UCTAAA! I really must thank the people Almighty God has used to bless me in one way or the other. May God Almighty continue to bless and grant each and every one of them their heart desires, in Jesus’ mighty Name. My prayer for UCTAAA is that God keeps this wonderful association such that the special love that binds us will never diminish, but continue to wax stronger and stronger, to the glory God. God bless UCTAAA!
Vivian Gbogbo Michael-Onu, 2000/2001.
Being a member of UCTAAA has impacted positively on my life in all ramifications. This Association has helped me discover myself, experience true love, first hand, as well as provided a platform that gave my business some visibility and mileage. I cannot, in all honesty, exhaust all the wonderful benefits I have enjoyed from this Association. I am indebted to this wonderful Family and will always love and work for the growth of this Association.
Nsofor Bernice, Class of 1996 (DTA)
UCTAAA is simply God-sent, because it has been good to me in so many ways. Where do I even start from? First, is the fact that my birthdays have always been celebrated by the Association, thus making me feel so very important and loved. Second, I can never forget, not in a thousand lifetimes, the Association’s invaluable support and participation in respect of my husband’s leadership as President of Cross River State community, during CRS Community Week. Equally worthy of mention is the love and support shown to me during my late father’s funeral, as well as the celebration of UCTAAA’s Annual Alumni Thanksgiving in my Parish and the huge cash donation to support the Church Building Project.
That is not even all! UCTAAA has provided a platform and opportunity for many convivial outings that continue to add flavor, joy, happiness and relief to my life, even as the resultant exposures and expansion of knowledge arising from the various opportunities to meet new people, cultures and places, have tremendously impacted both my personal and inter-personal relationships. There is no denying whatsoever that UCTAAA is a melting pot and learning curve for like-minded people, hence, it goes without saying that lessons arising from UCTAAA activities have had far-reaching effects in my life. UCTAAA for life!
Peace Offiong
Great UCTAAANs! I want to use this opportunity to express my gratitude and the great impact UCTAAA has had on my personal growth. Of a truth, this Association has been a great blessing to me and my immediate family. We have been recipients of various gifts from both the Leadership and members of this great Group, and even my dream to visit America is becoming a reality through UCTAAA’s facilitation. The several trainings on leadership and management by UCTAAA have helped shaped me to become a better leader, and it goes without saying that I’m more than grateful to Almighty God for making me part of this Association. I pray that
Almighty God would grant me the grace and strength to help me remain faithful and contribute my own quota towards the growth of UCTAAA.
Indeed, may the love that binds us together never cease.
Ann Okunega Okafor
UCTAAACARES ADDED VALUE TO MY EVENT MANAGEMENT BUSINESS
I am Evelyn Akiang, a graduate of Theatre Arts (Class of 2001) from the University of Calabar, turned Events Manager. Just at the time when things were looking bleak in my Event Management Business because I couldn’t afford an industrial oven to carry out big orders, I received a call in mid-2021 by UCTAAACARES, through a great motivator and encourager, Mary Ekpe, to apply for a grant to enable me get the oven. I did and the grant was promptly approved and this enabled me to get 2 small pot ovens. This impacted by Business so much so that I began to supply pastries to Primary and Secondary Schools around 8Miles area of Calabar, Cross River State, and within a period of five [5] months, was able to acquire an industrial oven which has enhanced the output and value of my Event Management Business. And to say that things are looking better with each passing day would be an understatement! Yes, I started small, but have grown bigger now. Thanks to UCTAAA-CARES and indeed the whole UCTAAA Family for giving me hope, when I was hopeless. May Almighty God continue to bless and replenish every one member of this wonderful Family.
Evelyn Akiang
Great UCTAAANs! I want to use this opportunity to express my gratitude and the great impact UCTAAA has had on my personal growth. Of a truth, this Association has been a great blessing to me and my immediate family. We have been recipients of various gifts from both the Leadership and members of this great Group, and even my dream to visit America is becoming a reality through UCTAAA’s facilitation. The several trainings on leadership and management by UCTAAA have helped shaped me to become a better leader, and it goes without saying that I’m more than grateful to Almighty God for making me part of this Association. I pray that
Almighty God would grant me the grace and strength to help me remain faithful and contribute my own quota towards the growth of UCTAAA.
Indeed, may the love that binds us together never cease.
Ann Okunega Okafor
UCTAAACARES ADDED VALUE TO MY EVENT MANAGEMENT BUSINESS
I am Evelyn Akiang, a graduate of Theatre Arts (Class of 2001) from the University of Calabar, turned Events Manager. Just at the time when things were looking bleak in my Event Management Business because I couldn’t afford an industrial oven to carry out big orders, I received a call in mid-2021 by UCTAAACARES, through a great motivator and encourager, Mary Ekpe, to apply for a grant to enable me get the oven. I did and the grant was promptly approved and this enabled me to get 2 small pot ovens. This impacted by Business so much so that I began to supply pastries to Primary and Secondary Schools around 8Miles area of Calabar, Cross River State, and within a period of five [5] months, was able to acquire an industrial oven which has enhanced the output and value of my Event Management Business. And to say that things are looking better with each passing day would be an understatement! Yes, I started small, but have grown bigger now. Thanks to UCTAAA-CARES and indeed the whole UCTAAA Family for giving me hope, when I was hopeless. May Almighty God continue to bless and replenish every one member of this wonderful Family.
Evelyn Akiang
My name is Esther Ekanem [a.k.a. Adiaha coconut oil] from the Class of 2012. I joined UCTAAA in 2018, and since then, my life has not been the same again, because UCTAAA has been beneficial to me in many ways, both financially, socially, morally and otherwise. For instance, through this wonderful Association, I’ve met, connected and interacted closely with people I wouldn’t have been able to meet with ordinarily. But all thanks to UCTAAA for the opportunity to unite with UCTAAANs around the Globe, I’ve made good friends that have turned Family. On the economic front, UCTAAA gave my coconut oil business increased visibility and tremendous boost, as it provided a ready-made platform for increased patronage and sales. Also, through UCTAAA, there’s the opportunity to visit the USA and be part of the forthcoming Global Reunion 2024. What more can one ask from an Association! Also, I would not fail to mention how the various leadership trainings and mentoring programmes have impacted my life, reshaped my thinking and changed me into a better person, in terms of leadership and temperament when dealing with people from different and diverse socio-economic cum cultural backgrounds. Without question, I am proud to be associated with this great UCTAAA Family. Long live UCTAAA!!!!
Esther Ekanem
My name is Henrietta Harrison, a member of the Port Harcourt Chapter. I joined UCTAAA in 2021 and this wonderful Family has been nice to me! First was Aunty Chioma, who paid my Reunion fees for me in July 2022, while Dr. Rita, the Global President, has been intervening in her own peculiar way of reaching out to us through the UCTAAA-CARES Unit! Indeed, UCTAAA is such a wonderful place to be and I am happy to be part of this family. May Almighty God continue to bless UCTAAA in the mighty Name of Jesus.
Henrietta Harrison
I must start by appreciating the Global President, Dr. Rita [a.k.a. Mama Ree] for birthing, along with others, the UCTAAA idea. A mother figure, her love for this Association and everyone associated thereto has been phenomenal. Other members of the Global and Chapter Excos have given us a sense of belonging and contributed immensely to my being. Also, the various opportunities to meet, interact, share experiences, learn from and bond with other UCTAAANs are blessings that cannot be easily quantified in monetary terms. Many thanks to UCTAAA for these facilitations!
Oba Patience Leyira, Class of 2010
I want to use this medium to say a very big thank you to our Global President, all our Global Leaders, State Coordinators, elders and most especially, the UCTAAA-CARES Team for the wonderful co-ordination and piloting of this great Association. From the day I joined UCTAAA till date, I must confess, I have never felt at home anywhere like I feel at home with this wonderful Family. For instance, the love that binds us together truly spoke volumes when I had my book launch, because UCTAAANS were the first to launch my book with our Global president (Mama Ree) taking the lead, even before the launch date proper. This was indeed a sign of the love that binds us together and also to encourage and appreciate my efforts in publishing a book. Words cannot explain how I felt knowing I have a family that supported me when I needed that support. Seeing the UCTAAA-CARES Team showing love to some members in need and doing what they know how to do best (humanitarian services), has really changed my perspective about life. Putting a smile on people’s faces, investing in people, as the spirit leads, is one good thing I have learnt and imbibed from the UCTAAACARES Team. God bless you guys for imparting positivity on me! Indeed, UCTAAA is not just an Alumni Association, but a humanitarian organization that not only looks after her members, but even non-members that need help. There is no denying that we are a blessed association and I am honoured to be a proud member of this wonderful Association!
Anthony Kingsley Emeka, popularly known as Mr. Lips, Class of 2004 and presently the Coordinator of Port Harcourt Chapter.
I joined UCTAAA in 2017 and I must confess that I connected with an amazing set of humane human beings. The love is overwhelming and contagious at the same time. You cannot help but give back same measure of love you receive. I have been privileged to meet a group of intellectuals and learnt a lot from them. I remember receiving a lovely sumptuous breakfast and lunch tray from UCTAAACARES when I got promoted to my current position in January, 2022. Also worthy of mention is the role they played when I lost my sibling in December 2022. First, I received amazing and jaw breaking emotional support from people that I didn’t even meet in school, but got to know through the platform; from Sir Ugo Vincent who my family can never forget in a hurry, Sister Chioma who more or less became my therapist at a time I was breaking down emotionally, Mama Ree who would always call to check up on me. She even went to the extent of constituting a group of UCTAAANs, some of which I have never met before, as Committee of Friends who raised and sent me a token of love during the funeral. Snr Edith – God bless and rest her beautiful soul – who, though was battling for her life, would send messages to cheer me up. I must not forget to mention my friends Wofai, Valerie, Bright, Shele, Achu and the entire Abuja chapter etc. My darling senior Segun and Adiahakoko, my love, both I hadn’t met before, but they would always call to check on me. The list is endless and I am grateful to God for the opportunity. I have been privileged to serve the Association in different capacities, and would not relent in giving back from the wealth of what I have received from this wonderful Family. Long live UCTAAA!!!!
Ugoeze Azubuike (Ugo Vixey), Class of 2005
I joined UCTAAA a few weeks from inception and I have benefitted a lot from this Association. Evidently, it’s been a jolly good ride, no wonder I have been privileged to attend the two Reunions in Calabar that the Association has organized and held. Of a truth, we all belong to more than one such association of ex-students from Secondary Schools to the Universities we have attended, but as far as I’m concerned, UCTAAA stands out. Indeed, there’s something very special about UCTAAA. The online meetings, capacity building workshops, rubrics of entertainment and education, new friends from senior and older students, it goes without saying that this association has impacted and continues to impact every aspect of my adult life. Interacting with other UCTAAANs has spurred me to improve and be better, hence my concerted efforts to climb the academic ladder. Also, the testimonies from other UCTAANS have continue to spur and energize one to stay the course. The inspiring leadership of this wonderful Group since inception has equally boosted my worldview and appreciation of the coined term: Unity in Diversity. It therefore goes without saying that I am glad I not only read Theatre Arts, but did that at the University of Calabar! Un seul mot: acksion! And positive action at that. 😂
Papa Zil, Class of 1996
