On the 10th of January, 2026 at the Calabar International Convention Centre (CICC), leaders, partners, friends and well-wishers gathered for The Builder’s Odyssey, a landmark event that brought together three powerful milestones in one celebration: 10 years of Nugi Technologies Nig. Ltd, 40 years of Ugi Augustine Ugi, and the official launch of a new book by UAU.
The Builder’s Odyssey Celebration was more than an anniversary. It was a reflection on growth, service, resilience and the impact of a man and an institution committed to building systems, people and purpose.
A Grand Welcome and Opening Moments
The evening began with a vibrant red carpet as guests arrived in style, setting the tone for what would be a rich and well-curated experience. The formal programme opened with an opening prayer by Rev. Fr. Cletus Udoh who was represented by Rev. Fr. Edward Osoro, grounding the event in gratitude and reflection.
The event was graced by several distinguished personalities from government, academia, finance, media and the private sector.
In attendance was His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Executive Governor of Cross River State, who was duly represented by the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Associate Professor Justin Atiang Beshel. Also present were Professor Anthony Owan Enoh, Secretary to the State Government; Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, Chief of Staff; and Sir Gabe Onah, PhD, Chairman of the Calabar Carnival Commission.
Other notable guests included Hon Patrick Egobo Egbede, Commissioner for Wealth Creation; Hon. Agnes Atsu, Commissioner for Sports; Dr Mathias Angiaha, Commissioner for Industries; Hon Edema Erom, Commissioner for Women Affairs; Mr. Willams Archibong, Director General, Cross River Geographic Information Agency; Hon. Peter Akonfe Undiandeye, KSM, Chairman Obudu Local Government Area; Hon. Pst. (Mrs) Mercy Nsor, Chairman Ikom Local Government Area; Rt. Hon. Daniel Asuquo and Mrs Ekanem Asuquo; Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo, Pro-Chancellor of the University of Cross River State; Surv. Patrick Edet Bassey and his wife, Surveyor General of Cross River State; Professor Francisca Bassey, Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State; Prince Michael Nku Abuo, Director General Migration and Control Services Agency and Mr. Lawrence Attah (Ajeboh), the Secretary, Akamkpa Local Government Area.
The private sector was well represented by Mr Ifeanyi Duru Jnr., SVP Sales and Partnerships at Moniepoint; Isoken Aigbomian, Business Development, TeamApt, Moniepoint; Mr Kingsley Effiong and his wife, Relationship Manager at Globus Bank; Mr. Ayodeji Afolabi and Mr Nwabueze Ugwu Etransact, Remita, Zenith Bank and Sterling Bank; and Mr and Mrs Patrick Ugbe, Managing Director of Hit FM, Calabar.
Also in attendance were Nugi Technologies staff, friends, family members and well-wishers, whose presence added warmth and depth to the celebration.
Representation of the Celebrant
The man at the centre of the celebration, Mr Ugi Augustine Ugi, though unavoidably absent, was ably represented by his parents, Mr and Mrs Augustine Ishubel Ugi, alongside his brothers and family members: Mr Leonard Ugi, Mr and Mrs Elvis Ugi, and Mr and Barrister (Mrs) Emmanuel Ugi. Their presence underscored the strong family foundation behind the journey being celebrated.
Hosts Temi Badru and Roby Ekpo took charge of the evening, warmly welcoming guests and announcing distinguished attendees present at the celebration.
Welcome Address and Reflections on Leadership
In the welcome address, Ms Ajoke Akinlabi, Chief Executive Officer of Nugi Technologies Nigeria Limited, formally received guests and spoke at length about Mr Ugi Augustine Ugi, setting a reflective tone as she highlighted his life, influence and the values being celebrated.
She also addressed the absence of Mr. Ugi Augustine Ugi, explaining that he was unable to attend due to health challenges while reaffirming that his presence, vision, and values were deeply felt throughout the celebration.
A Decade of Nugi: The Journey So Far
A video documentary on Nugi Technologies followed, featuring team members sharing personal stories from their journey within the company. The documentary captured the company’s evolution, its people-first culture and its commitment to innovation and public-sector transformation.
The Co-Founder of Nugi Technologies, Mr Sunday Okoi, then took the stage to speak on the company’s journey so far, reflecting on its humble beginnings, defining moments, and the collective effort that has sustained its growth over ten years.
Showcasing Innovation and Digital Solutions
A major highlight of the evening was the showcase of Nugi’s innovative digital solutions, presented by Mr Victory Bassey, Business Development Manager, and Mr Joseph Ofem, Deputy Chief Technology Officer.
The presentation walked guests through key products and platforms developed by Nugi Technologies, including:
* Syncventory
* Qloop
* 360Gov
* Ultimeplus
* Servyx
* Cloudbridge
The session brought light to Nugi Technologies’ role in driving digital transformation across sectors.
Book Unveiling: Words That Tell a Life
The official unveiling of the book was carried out by His Excellency, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State, who was duly represented by the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Associate Professor Justin Atiang Beshel.
The book, titled The Blood of the Phoenix: A Memoir of Sickle Cell, Faith and Service, offers a deeply personal account of resilience, faith, and commitment to service.A thoughtful book review and interactive session followed, led by Ambassador Gabe Onah. The session explored the author’s lived experience with sickle cell and how it shaped his faith, resilience, and outlook on service. Guests gained deeper insight into the personal struggles, strength, and purpose behind the memoir, making the message of the book both relatable and powerful. Donations were later made in support of the book and its mission.
Culture, Celebration and Community
Cultural performances by Obudu and Efik dance troupes brought colour and heritage to the evening, celebrating Cross River’s rich traditions.
Winners of the UAU Carnival Calabar Challenge were also celebrated, with prize awards as follows:
* 5 winners received ₦1,000,000 each
* 20 winners received ₦500,000 each
* 20 winners received ₦150,000 each
A comedy performance by Sabinus added humour and lightness, followed by toasts, testimonies, cake cutting, and a special family moment.
Later during the event, a pre-recorded video by Mr. Ugi was played in which he spoke briefly, expressing heartfelt gratitude to guests, partners and staff, and reaffirming his commitment to the values, vision and people that have defined both his personal journey and the Nugi story.
Honouring Excellence: Staff and Partner Awards
The event also recognised outstanding individuals and partners for their impact and service.
Digital Transformation Leadership Awards
* Associate Professor Justin Beshel - Commissioner for Science and Technology, Cross River State
* Prince Edwin Okon - Executive Chairman, Cross River State Internal Revenue Service
* Mr Otu-Ita Otu - SA, Budget
Staff and Executive Awards
A total of 16 senior management and junior staff members were recognised across various award categories.
Mr. Victory Bassey, Business Development Manager at Nugi Technologies, received the Nugi Trailblazer Award in recognition of his exceptional efficiency, outstanding performance, and unwavering commitment to driving growth and innovation within the organisation. His strategic contributions, leadership across key projects, and consistent delivery of results have played a significant role in advancing Nugi Technologies’ vision and impact. He was awarded a cash prize of ₦5,000,000.
* 2 senior management staff received the Executive Excellence Award.
* 1 senior management staff received the High-Impact Performer Award.
* 6 senior management staff received Dedicated Service Awards.
* 1 senior management staff received the Exemplary Character Award.
* 3 junior staff received Outstanding Achievement Awards.
* 2 junior staff received Impact Service Awards.2 senior management staff received the Executive Excellence Award.
* 1 senior management staff received the High-Impact Performer Award.* 6 senior management staff received Dedicated Service Awards.
* 1 senior management staff received the Exemplary Character Award.
* 3 junior staff received Outstanding Achievement Awards.
* 2 junior staff received Impact Service Awards.
Each award came with significant financial remuneration, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to recognising excellence and impact.
Closing and After-Party
The event drew to a close with a gratitude speech and final remarks by Mr Godswill Adie, Chief Technology Officer of Nugi Technologies Nigeria Limited. A powerful musical performance by Excel Praiseworth followed, setting the tone for the finale.
Guests then transitioned into an energetic after-party filled with music, dance, and celebration, marking a fitting end to an evening that honoured legacy, leadership, and the power of building with purpose.
The Builder’s Odyssey was not just a celebration of years and milestones, but a reminder that true impact is built through service, consistency and people. Nugi Technologies at 10, Ugi Augustine at 40, and the launch of a book rooted in faith and resilience all came together to tell one powerful story.
