Chief Barr. Bassey Inyang, JP
Biography of Chief (Barr.) Bassey I. Inyang, DCP (Rtd), JP
On a beautiful morning of May 25, 1952, in the peaceful village of Ono-Ito, Ito South Clan, Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria, the Lord blessed the family of Chief Solomon Inyang Inyang and Madam Ekpoanwan Okon Ekanem Inyang (both of blessed memory) with a son, a covenant child who would come to embody faith, courage, and service. He was named Abasi Inyang, later known in school as Bassey Inyang, a name that would come to stand for integrity and leadership across Nigeria.
Early Life and Education
Bassey began his education at the Presbyterian Primary School, Ito Central, then located at Akani Mission. It was there, in the nurturing hands of missionary teachers, that his name was anglicized from Abasi to Bassey, and where his lifelong love for learning took root. He completed his elementary education in 1965, an era when primary school graduates were known for reading and writing impeccably in English.
In 1966, he gained admission to Aggrey Memorial College, Arochukwu, a proud moment for his family and community. But that same year, Nigeria was thrown into political turmoil which soon erupted into the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970). The war brought untold hardship. Bassey, still a teenager, and his family became internally displaced, moving from Arochukwu to Asa, Awara, Egbuoma, and Orlu, refugees in their own country. These years of loss and uncertainty forged in him an unshakable faith in God and a resilience that would define his character.
When the war ended, his family returned to a desolate Ito, overgrown and stripped by conflict. Life was hard, and education seemed an unaffordable luxury. His parents, humble cassava farmers and traders, could only send one child to school. His younger brother was chosen, while Bassey ventured into business, selling fairly used clothes. The business failed, but providence was at work. Guided by the encouragement of his brother-in-law, Chief Bassey Philip Inyang, he relocated to Uyo, where his journey into purposeful service began.
His Life
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years of public service
From cadet to Deputy Commissioner, served with integrity.
officers mentored
Growing a culture of discipline, empathy, and excellence.
