Biography Intro: Benedict Bengioushuye Ayade, (born 2 March 1969), is a Nigerian politician and the current Governor of Cross River State since 29 May 2015. He ran successfully for the office of Governor in April 2015 on the platform of People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Before that, he was a member of the 7th Senate of Nigeria.

NAME: Benedict Ayade

DATE OF BIRTH: 2 March 1969

PARENT: Mr. & Mrs. Peter Akinsheye Ayade

MARRIED TO: Dr. Linda Ayade

CHILDREN: 3 children.

OCCUPATION: lecturer

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

Ayade earned his B.Sc. (Honours) in Microbiology at Ambrose Alli University in Ekpoma, Nigeria (1984 – 1988) and proceeded to the University of Ibadan (1990 – 1994) where he obtained his Ph.D., winning the Best Doctoral Dissertation Award in Environmental Microbiology. Ayade went on to work as a lecturer at Delta State University, Abraka where he was subsequently appointed Professor.

HONORS AND AWARDS: For his outstanding performances in leadership, Senator Ben Ayade was awarded the 2016 Vanguard Governor of the year