Scottish missionary who spent much of her missionary career in the Old Calabar region and became one of the most famous historical figures associated with Cross River.
Cross River State • Notable People
Famous & Notable People from Cross River State
12 remarkable individuals across politics, business, entertainment, sports, arts, law, and activism — people who shaped Cross River State, Nigeria, and the world.
12Notable people
3Categories
6Living
6Deceased
Other (6)
Scottish Presbyterian missionary associated with the development of Christian education and missionary work in the Calabar region.
Historic Efik leader associated with the development of the Old Calabar trading polity and the emergence of Duke Town as an important commercial centre.
Educator, politician and prominent nationalist figure from the Calabar area who participated in Nigerian political development before independence.
Former Inspector-General of Police of Nigeria and senior public servant associated with Cross River.
Traditional and community leadership figure associated with the historical development of the Calabar area.
Politics & Government (5)
Economist, former Governor of Cross River State during the Second Republic and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Governor of Cross River State from 1999 to 2007. He became internationally associated with the development of tourism and the Calabar Carnival.
Governor of Cross River State from 2007 to 2015 and former federal minister and senator.
Governor of Cross River State from 2015 to 2023 and former senator representing Cross River North.
Governor of Cross River State since 2023 and former senator representing Cross River South.
Military (1)
First military governor of South-Eastern State after its creation in 1967 and one of the most important military administrators in the early history of the state.
About Cross River State's Notable People
Cross River State has produced some of Nigeria's — and Africa's — most celebrated figures across every field of human endeavour. The 12 people documented on this page represent a cross-section of the individuals who have made Cross River State a source of national pride.
How Notable People Are Selected
The people listed on this page are selected based on their national or international recognition, the significance of their contributions to their field, and their documented connection to Cross River State through birth, origin, or long-term residence. The list is not exhaustive — Cross River State has produced many more remarkable people than can be documented in a single page.
About Cross River State
To learn more about the state that produced these notable individuals, visit the full history of Cross River State, including its pre-colonial kingdoms, colonial history, and modern era. See also the list of Cross River State governors and the local government areas of Cross River State.
Frequently Asked Questions — People from Cross River State
Who are the most famous people from Cross River State?
Cross River State has produced 12 widely recognised notable people across various fields. Among the most famous are: Mary Slessor, Hope Masterton Waddell, Udoakaha Esuene, Clement Isong, Donald Duke, Liyel Imoke, Benedict Ayade, Bassey Edet Otu, and many others.
Which musicians are from Cross River State?
Cross River State has produced many celebrated musicians in Nigeria's entertainment industry.
Which politicians are from Cross River State?
Notable politicians from Cross River State include: Clement Isong, Donald Duke, Liyel Imoke, Benedict Ayade, Bassey Edet Otu.
Which business people are from Cross River State?
Cross River State has produced many prominent Nigerian business leaders.
Which athletes are from Cross River State?
Cross River State has produced several prominent Nigerian athletes.
How many notable people has Cross River State produced?
Cross River State has produced at least 12 widely recognised notable people documented on this page. They span 3 categories including other, politics & government, military, and more.