Spotlight: Asuquo Ekpenyong Jnr | Youngest Senator-Elect

Contrary to the expectations of many, youth representation in the 10th National Assembly may not be as impressive as predicted. In assessing the small wins from the elections, however, this edition of Parliament Spotlight is focused on the youngest Senator-Elect in the next political dispensation.

Thirty-seven-year-old Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr, is not a new name in Cross River Politics, at least since 2015 when he was appointed Commissioner for Finance by Governor Benedict Ayade.

His appointment in November 2015 at the age of 29 made him one of the youngest commissioners in Nigeria during that 2015 -2019 electoral cycle. Skilled in business planning, business strategy, financial modelling and corporate finance with versatility and years of experience, he would eventually become the longest-serving Commissioner for Finance in Cross River State.

With Governor Ayade’s tenure winding down in May 2023, he took a shot at the governorship of the state under the platform of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). While that ambition did not materialise, or as some may say, “is yet to materialise,” Ekpenyong Jnr went on to pursue a Senatorial ambition against very experienced and renowned politicians. He was victorious in the Cross River South Senatorial elections and has etched his name in history as Nigeria’s youngest Senator-Elect going into the incoming 10th National Assembly.

There’s more to learn about the 37-year-old politician, check out his profile below:

Ekpenyong

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Senior Secondary School Certificate
Kings College, Lagos
Bachelor of Arts, Economics (2007)
University of Reading, United Kingdom

Master of Science, International Banking and Financial Services (Distinction) – 2008
University of Reading, United Kingdom

Harvard Business School (2013)

Other Qualifications

Global Executive Leadership Programme
Howard University Business School, Washington D.C.

Executive Management Development Programme
University of Pretoria

The Euromoney Oil and Gas School, London
Member, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN)

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE (PRIVATE SECTOR)

Chief Executive Officer (2009 – 2015)
Iquasu Limited

Executive Director (2009 – 2015)
Davandy Group
Executive Director (2009 – 2015)
Channel View Hotels
Managing Director (2010 – 2015)
Chamley Bureau De Change Limited
Member, Board of Directors (2013-2015)
Ekondo Microfinance Bank Limited

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE (PUBLIC SECTOR)

Lecturer, Department of Banking and Finance (2009 – 2012)
Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Calabar
Commissioner for Finance (November 2015 – March 2022)
Ministry of Finance, Cross River State
Managing Director
Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort (February 2016 – April 2017)
Commissioner for Transportation (2018)
Ministry of Transportation and Marine Services, Cross River State

MAJOR POLITICAL ACHIEVEMENTS

Ekpenyong is the youngest Senator-elect in the 10th National Assembly
He was appointed Cross River State Commissioner at the age of 29, making him one of the youngest Commissioners in Nigeria in the 2015- 2019 electoral cycle..
He is also the longest-serving Commissioner of Finance in Cross River State.
Won a major election using a completely data-driven and technologically innovative campaign with a very small team of young men and women.
Defeated Rt Hon Daniel Asuquo, a member of the House of Representatives representing Akamkpa/ Biase Federal Constituency in the last 12 years
Defeated Ntufam Ekpo Okon, a member of the National Assembly member in the Second Republic, former State Commissioner and former Deputy Governorship candidate.