The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has paid profound tribute to their recently departed staff,Mr. Ukan Rowland Idagbo, Supervisor in the Zonal Coordination Division, by naming a newly established Youth Resource Centre in Abouchechi, Cross River State.
The Ukan Idagbo Youth Resource Centre, was unveiled on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at a ceremony attended by dignitaries including the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Ukan’s elder brother Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo, members of the National and State Assemblies, Bekwarra Local Government officials, community stakeholders, and NCDMB’s Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, who was represented by the General Manager, Zonal Coordination Division, Mr. Ifeanyi Ukoha.
The centre was conceptualised by Bekwarra Local Government, during the chairmanship tenure of Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo, and later enhanced and equipped by the NCDMB. The centre now stands as a symbol of late Ukan’s enduring commitment to youth empowerment and community development and will be utilised for youth empowerment programmes in key skills.
Earlier, the Bekwarra Legislative Council had adopted an ordinance officially naming the Centre after Ukan in recognition of his quiet but powerful influence and his unwavering service to the development of his people. This gesture follows the sudden and deeply felt loss of Mr. Ukan Rowland Idagbo, who passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 and was buried on Wednesday, August 27.
His death came as a profound shock to colleagues and friends across the Board and beyond, as Ukan was widely admired for his calm demeanour, humility, and dedication to excellence.
Born on September 27, 1980, Ukan was the youngest of five sons of the late Hon. Justice Ochikry Idagbo and Mrs. Bernadette Idagbo. From his early years, Ukan exhibited a strong intellect, deep curiosity, and rare emotional sensitivity—traits that shaped both his personal and professional journey.
His educational credentials included a degree in Computer Sciencefrom the University of Calabar, a program in Marine Oceanography, and Master’s in Environmental Science from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. While in the UK, he worked at the Royal Bank of Scotland in Manchester.
Returning to Nigeria, Ukan worked at the Institute of Animal Science in Abuja before joining NCDMB, where he became known for his professionalism, thoughtfulness, and quiet strength. He also sought continual growth, participating in several executive education programs, including:
Ukan was a man of many passions, and a gifted writer, who authored several published works, including: Behind Enemy Lines, Ukpang (Comic), The Crucible and Two Other Stories, Bernadette, Philomena, The Winter Song of Second Chances, and The Autumn Sound of Courage.
His stories reflect emotional depth, moral clarity, and artistic brilliance. He enjoyed golf, tennis and traveling.
His life was celebrated in deeply moving ceremonies, beginning with a requiem mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja, followed by a funeral mass at St. Benedict’s Cathedral, Igoli, Ogoja. He was finally laid to rest on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at his family compound in Ijibor, Bekwarra Local Government Area, Cross River State.
He is survived by his beloved mother, Mrs. Bernadette Idagbo, his brothers—including Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo—and a large circle of family, friends, and colleagues who deeply mourn his loss.
The NCDMB community extends its heartfelt condolences to the Idagbo family and all who knew and loved Ukan. His life may have been brief, but his impact is lasting. May his soul rest in perfect peace, and may his life continue to shine as a beacon of hope, intellect, and compassion.
