Benedict Ayade

Benedict Bengiuoshuye Ayade (; born 2 March 1968) is a Nigerian politician who served as the governor of Cross River State from 2015 to 2023. He served as Senator for Cross River North from 2011 to 2015.

Early life He was born in Obudu LGA of Cross River State on 2 March 1968 to Peter Akinsheye Ayade and Beatrice Ngayi Ayade. He hails from Kakum Village, Ipong Ward of Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. His parents were both devout Catholics. His father worked as a public servant with the water board.

Education Benedict Ayade received his primary education at St. Stephens Primary School, Obudu, and proceeded to Government Secondary School, Obudu, Nigeria, for his secondary education.

Ayade earned his B.Sc. (Honours) from Ambrose Ali University in [Ekpoma], Nigeria (1984–1988). He then proceeded to obtain his M.Sc. in microbiology (1989–1990) and subsequently his Ph.D. in environmental microbiology from the same University of Ibadan (1990–1994), winning the Best Doctoral Dissertation Award in Environmental Microbiology. Ayade also has an MBA (2000–2002) from Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, Edo State. Ayade is a lawyer with an LL.B. law degree (2006–2010) from Delta State University, Abraka. Ayade went on to work as a lecturer at Delta State University, Abraka, where he was subsequently appointed professor.

Appointments/political career Chairman of Ecological Fund Chairman of International Institute of Environmental Research Member of Strategic Policy Advisory Council Member of Nigeria Association of Petroleum Engineers Member of Cross River State Poverty Alleviation Board

Ayade recontested in the 2019 gubernatorial elections as a member of the People Democratic Party (PDP) and was reelected as the governor of Cross River State.

During his last year as governor, Ayade contested the 2023 Cross River North Senate Seat and lost to Sen. Jarigbe Agom.

Awards Ayade was awarded the 2016 Vanguard Governor of the Year.

Ayade was awarded the 2019 Champion Newspaper Governor of the Year.

Ayade was awarded the 2020 Leadership newspaper Governor of the year.

Ayade was also awarded the Blueprint Newspaper Governor of the Year on Agro-industrialization 2021. The award was in recognition of his developmental strides on Agro-industrialization.

On 24 August 2019, Ayade was invested as the Knight of St. John (KSJ) International by the Roman Catholic Church, Sacred Heart Cathedral, the seat of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Calabar.

In October 2022, he was awarded a national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Family and personal life Ayade is married to Dr. Linda Ayade and has 3 children. His hobbies include reading, playing and watching games, as well as dancing.