The wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has praised the outstanding contribution of the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio to the development of Nigeria and described him as an outstanding and visionary Leader.
Speaking at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Saturday during the grand reception in honour of the Senate President on his 61st birthday celebration, Nigeria’s First Lady said in all the public offices that Senator Akpabio has held he has exhibited uncommon passion towards development and bringing succour to the people through good governance.
According to Senator Remi Tinubu, “we are here to celebrate an extraordinary and uncommon man in our generation. This is not only a celebration of an achiever but to reflect on the immense contribution he has made to Akwa Ibom State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.
“Under his leadership, Akwa Ibom State witnessed remarkable infrastructural development through improved healthcare services and enhanced educational opportunities. His administration focused on human capital development and poverty alleviation and transformed the lives of many particularly the most vulnerable.
“As Senate President he has displayed exemplary leadership fostering unity among Nigerians. He has remained committed to the principles of democracy, accountability and for this we commend him,” she said.
On his part, the host of the event and Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno said Akpabio’s visionary, collaborative and result-driven approach to leadership engendered the uncommon transformation of the State, giving Akwa Ibom many enduring legacies including the magnificent Godswill Akpabio International Stadium – venue for the grand reception.
“Today, Akwa Ibom is a conference destination in Nigeria. Senator Godswill Akpabio achieved very many uncommon exploits and made tremendous efforts in the development of the state. This stadium is one of such legacies,” he acknowledged.
Eno maintained that Akwa Ibom people were united irrespective of political and ethnic backgrounds to celebrate the icon and beseech him to continue being a good ambassador of the state.
The Governor also hailed President Bola Tinubu for supporting the emergence of Akpabio as Senate President, and also the President for relating with Nigerians irrespective of political lines.
“The President recently took me to an international conference despite not being a member of his political party,” he recalled.
The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu who also chaired the occasion described Senator Akpabio as an outstanding leader that the South South and Nigeria were proud to identify with because of the developmental strides he had brought to Akwa Ibom State while serving as the Governor.
The celebrant, Senator Akpabio thanked the people for the confidence they have reposed on him and for trooping out enmasse to celebrate him. He called for prayers for the victims of the Kaduna drone attack while urging relevant government agencies to provide succour to the bereaved families and the injured.
He reminisced on his tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom State and his uncommon transformation agenda and said the 10th Senate under his leadership will work for the overall well being of Nigerians.
“The agenda of the 10th Senate is totally people-centric and we would be more concerned in our decisions on the floor of the Senate on how to work to turn around the fortunes of Nigerians. Don’t thinks of the problems of today but the future. I see a better future for Nigeria. As Senators we will work together to tinker, rejig laws for the overall betterment of Nigerians,” he declared.
Goodwill messages were presented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Tajudeen Abbas, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, at the birthday celebration which attracted over 60 Senators and many members of the House of Representatives.
