The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Akpabio

  • Akpabio receives 2025 TeenEagle Bronze winner

    Akpabio receives 2025 TeenEagle Bronze winner

    …says Nigerian youths are achievers

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said that Nigerian youths have what it takes to rule the world, only if the relevant government agencies encourage them to achieve their potential.

    Akpabio stated this while receiving 11-year-old Miss Cara Victor Antai, who won Bronze at the Prestigious Global Final 2, held at the University of Surrey, United Kingdom, in his country home, Ukana, Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

    According to Akpabio, in a statement by his media aide, Jackson Udom in Abuja, “I congratulate you, my daughter, on this great feat. It shows that Nigerians, given the opportunities and encouragement by the relevant agencies of government, can achieve whatever they are out to achieve.

    Read Also: Akpabio, NHRC mourn late IGP Arase

    “This award bestowed on you is a demand for more hard work. I also congratulate your parents, Dr and Mrs Antai, for ensuring that you achieve this great feat.”

    The competition brought together over 20,000 participants from 69 countries, which began with an online round and culminated in the prestigious Global Final 2, held from 27th July to 3rd August at the University of Surrey, UK.

    Among the proud representatives of Nigeria were eight students—five from NTIC Abuja and three from NTIC Yobe.

    Competing in the TeenEagle 1 category, which tested both receptive skills (reading & listening) and productive skills (writing & speaking), Cara delivered an outstanding performance.

    Her achievements at the global rounds included 3rd Place (Bronze) – TeenEagle 1 Category and a Special Award – Best in Charisma

  • Akpabio urges public officers to leave enduring legacies

    Akpabio urges public officers to leave enduring legacies

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on public officers to ensure they leave behind legacies that will outlive them after leaving office.

    Akpabio gave the charge on Saturday at the funeral service of the late Abom Emmanuel Eno Peter Umana, held at the Catholic Church Assumption Parish, Ukana, in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

    Speaking at the service, Akpabio described the late Umana, a former Commissioner for Trade and Industries in the old Cross River State, as a man who devoted his life to the service of his people and left indelible marks.

    “As a public officer, Pa Umana left behind indelible legacies which are now major point of reference for the people of Essien Udim Local Government Area and Akwa Ibom State in general, and that is why I call on public officers to always do their best by putting smiles on the faces of the people so that when they had long gone, they would be remembered for their good deeds by the people they left behind.

    READ ALSO: Racing to death: How reckless car racing turns highways to death tracks, claims lives

    “As a teacher, in the then College of Education, Uyo, he demonstrated his consumate passion for education through diligent impartation of knowledge that distinguished him as an asset.”

    He stressed that Umana’s passion for education stood out during his time as a teacher at the then College of Education, Uyo, while his tenure as Commissioner introduced a new vision to the Ministry of Trade and Industries, leading to the establishment of industries such as Sunshine Batteries, Qua Steel Mills, and International Biscuits Limited.

    The Senate President prayed for the peaceful repose of Umana’s soul and offered words of comfort to the bereaved family. “I beseech the comfort of the Holy Spirit for you and all who are grieving, even as I assure you of my solidarity during this difficult moment,” he said.

  • Akpabio lauds Tinubu over approval, release of funds for constituency projects

    Akpabio lauds Tinubu over approval, release of funds for constituency projects

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has lauded President Bola Tinubu, for promptly approval and release of funds for zonal intervention projects, popularly called constituency projects, facilitated by lawmakers across the country.

    He also disclosed that the prompt approval and release of funds to the various contractors handling projects in the constituencies have made it possible for the lawmakers to have something to take home to their constituents.

    Akpabio, who was represented by his wife, Dr (Mrs) Unoma Godswill Akpabio, at the various commissioning sites, according to a statement by his media aide, Jackson Udom, in Abuja, thanked the people for their support for him and the party in 2023, urging them to continue to stand by the party and President Bola Tinubu, and to once again, replicate same for all APC candidates in 2027.

    According to Akpabio, “On behalf of the good people of Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District, I thank President Tinubu for making it possible for our lawmakers to come back home with tangible projects which is why we are gathered here today.

    Read Also: Akpabio commissions classrooms, ICT, health centres, market in Akwa Ibom

    “One good turn they say, deserves another. Let us ensure that we return President Tinubu, our sons; Senator Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno back to their offices in 2027 and if we do that, more and more projects would be sited all over our Senatorial District in particular, and our state in general.

    Speaking at the ceremony, member representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Emmanuel Ukpong Udo, thanked the Senate President for siting the eight classroom block in his constituency, assuring him of the total support of the people of Ikono and Ini Local Government Councils to the party and all its candidates in 2027.

    Projects commissioned today included, block of 12 classrooms in Community Secondary School, Obok Edem, Ikono; eight classroom block at Comprehensive Secondary School, Ndiya Ikono; and an ICT centre, St Mary Secondary School, Ikot Nseyen village, Nkwot Ikono.

    Earlier in the day, Senator Akpabio had commissioned some constituency projects in Oruk Anam Local Government Area which also witnessed a massive turn out of constituents to welcome the Senator and his entourage.

    Projects inaugurated in Oruk Anam included: Police Quarters at Ikot Okoro; ultra modern market at Urua Anwa; 12 classrooms block in Southern Annang Comprehensive Secondary School, Ikot Okoro and an ICT Centre at Community Secondary School, Ekparakwa.

  • Akpabio commissions classrooms, ICT, health centres, market in Akwa Ibom

    Akpabio commissions classrooms, ICT, health centres, market in Akwa Ibom

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Monday commissioned classrooms,

    Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre, Health Centre and modern market projects in his constituency in Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District.

    During the tour, the Senate President was accompanied by his wife, Dr. Unoma Godswill Akpabio, according to a statement by his media aide, Jackson Udom, in Abuja.

    Read Also: Akpabio pledges continued support for security agencies, commends Akwa Ibom CP

    The projects, according to the statement included, two blocks of 14 classrooms each in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, a fully furnished Modern Health Centre, an ICT Centre and an ultra modern market.

    He said the projects were done for the benefit of his constituents, who trooped out in their thousands to welcome him.

    Speaking at the commissioning sites, Akpabio thanked the people for coming out in their thousands to welcome him.

    He assured them of his total commitment to their welfare and uplifting of their living standards through viable projects.

    “Let me thank you all for coming out to receive me. It shows that you all voted for me. In appreciation of your support for me, President Bola Tinubu and our party, Mr President has, through me, approved several life changing projects to be sited in Etim Ekpo. You haven’t seen anything yet. Your votes for APC in 2023 is now speaking for you.”

    In appreciation, the political leader of Etim Ekpo Local Government Area and Pro-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Udom Ekpoudom (rtd), on behalf of the Elders of the council presented Akpabio with a royal sword as a symbol of authority.

  • Akpabio pledges continued support for security agencies, commends Akwa Ibom CP

    Akpabio pledges continued support for security agencies, commends Akwa Ibom CP

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has assured security agencies in Akwa Ibom State of his unwavering support for their welfare, while commending the State Police Commissioner, Baba Mohammed Azare, and his team for sustaining peace and security.

    Speaking on Saturday during the commissioning of fully furnished Police Quarters in Nto Ndang, Obot Akara Local Government Area, Akpabio praised the police leadership for its collaborative efforts with other security agencies.

    He emphasised the importance of improving officers’ welfare, noting that a comfortable living environment boosts morale and effectiveness.

    Read Also: Eno pledges support for Ibom Air passenger Emmanson, airline

    Akpabio also revealed that President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a Police College for cadet training, with construction already underway and the first intake expected before the year ends.

    In his remarks, Commissioner Azare thanked Akpabio for his consistent support, tracing it back to his time as governor, and pledged continued commitment to securing lives and property in the state.

    Earlier, Akpabio commissioned other community projects, including an ultra-modern market, ICT Centre, and classroom blocks in Obot Akara, urging residents to protect and maintain the facilities.

  • Akpabio to Ogbuku: Your legacies will outlive you

    Akpabio to Ogbuku: Your legacies will outlive you

    The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has commended the managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, for turning around the fortunes of the Niger Delta region and assured him that the legacies he would leave behind as managing director would outlive him.

    Akpabio made the commendation at the 50th birthday celebration and unveiling of two books authored by Dr Ogbuku in Abuja on Tuesday.

    He said with the advent of the administration of Dr Ogbuku, the region has had a new NDDC.

    A statement by the Special Assistant to the President of the Senate on Media/Communication, Anietie Ekong, quoted Senator Akpabio to have saying, “The Managing Director has done a very difficult job well. It is not easy to manage the Niger Delta. It is not easy to manage the NDDC.

    “When I was a Governor, I recall taking over from the NDDC the road that comes from the Qua Iboe terminal, where Nigeria gets a lot of oil production in Ibeno, coming to Eket. NDDC gave that road to one Contractor for 11 years, and nothing was done.

    “That was the lot of NDDC, but 11 years later, I took over the road and instead of one lane, I dualised it with four bridges. NDDC was known for doing shoddy jobs. NDDC was a place where people would sit down in hotels and write names of creeks and rivers and award contracts for desilting. Some of the Contractors never even visited the rivers but got paid.

    Read Also: PGF, Akpabio, Adeola commiserate with Yilwatda over mum’s death

    “For us to celebrate Dr Ogbuku today, it is not a mere celebration of attaining the golden age, but we are celebrating God’s goodness to the people of the Niger Delta through the management of NDDC today. He has turned around the fortunes of the Niger Delta region in two years.

    “The National Assembly is very proud of Dr Ogbuku. We are very proud of what he is doing in the NDDC. We are saying he is 50 years old today, but God Almighty will keep him for another 50 years.

    “I also want to congratulate the Board of the NDDC, the most peaceful board so far. It has been two years of impactful leadership, two years of focus, two years of collaboration and two years of showing strength in leadership. The MD will not be remembered for this celebration, but the legacies he will leave behind for the good people of the Niger Delta,” he said.

    President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, said the 50th birthday of the Managing Director of the NDDC was a celebration of a life of service, scholarship and achievement.

    Two books authored by Dr Ogbuku, “Rethinking the Niger Delta” and “Strategies and Imperatives for Developing the Niger Delta”, were unveiled.

    The celebrant, Dr Ogbuku, recounted his difficult upbringing and said he was happy to be alive to witness his 50th birthday celebration.

    He thanked everyone who had played a part in his leadership career, from his days as a student leader through many political appointments, to the climax in his appointment as the Managing Director of the interventionist agency.

  • Akpabio condoles APC chairman Yilwatda on mother’s death

    Akpabio condoles APC chairman Yilwatda on mother’s death

    The president of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio has commiserated with the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda on the passing of his mother, Mrs Lydia Yilwatda.

    Akpabio, in a condolence message issued for him by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Honourable Eseme Eyiboh, described the late Mama Lydia as “a caring and loving mother, who sacrificed for her children and the family at large”.

    The Senate president noted that “Though Mama died at the ripe age of 83, her motherly care and counsel were still needed by her son and the current generation.”

    Akpabio said he was consoled by the fact that the late Mama Lydia lived a life of service and together with her late husband, Rev Toma Yilwatda, played their roles diligently as parents, by “training their children, who are now contributing positively to the development of the society.”

    Read Also: PGF, Akpabio, Adeola commiserate with Yilwatda over mum’s death

    He added, “Mama Lydia will forever be remembered for her legacies as a pillar of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), particularly the women’s wing, and the mother of the national chairman of the ruling party. Mama’s death is a big loss to the Yilwatda Family and the good people of Plateau State, but, indeed, the entire nation.

    “On behalf of my family, constituents, the 10th Senate and entire National Assembly, I extend my sincere condolences to our national chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda over this sad occurrence.

    “I pray that the Almighty God will have mercy on Mama Lydia’s soul and also comfort the family at this time of grief. May Mama’s memories be a source of strength and inspiration during this period of mourning.”

  • Akpabio returns after vacation

    Akpabio returns after vacation

    • Senate President’s return ends speculation of illness

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio yesterday returned to the country from a brief vacation in London.

    A statement by his media office said his return ended the speculation that the Senate President was critically ill and admitted in a London hospital.

    The statement reads: “Recall that Akpabio had attended the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva between July 29 and 31 after which he headed to London for a short vacation.

    Read Also: ‘Nigerian visa applicants to show five years social media activity’

    “The Senate President, who touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 4 a.m.on Monday, was received at the Presidential Wing by senators, aides, and other Nigerians from different walks of life.

    “Addressing reporters on arrival, the Senate President promised Nigerians robust legislative engagements on resumption.

    “He further justified the presence of a strong Nigerian delegation at the International Parliamentary Union in Geneva, assuring the people of more derivatives of democratic governance and effective collaboration with the other arms of government.”

  • Akpabio returns after vacation

    Akpabio returns after vacation

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Monday morning returned to the country from a brief vacation in London.

    According to a statement by his media office, this development has put an end to the speculation that the Senate President was critically ill and admitted in a London hospital.

    The statement reads in part: “Recall that Akpabio had attended the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva between July 29 and 31st after which he headed to London for a short vacation.

    “The Senate President, who touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 4.00am Monday  was received at the Presidential Wing by senators, aides and Nigerians from different walks of life.

    “Fielding questions from journalists on arrival, the Senate President promised Nigerians robust legislative engagements on resumption. 

    “He further justified the presence of a strong Nigerian delegation at the International Parliamentary Union in Geneva, assuring the people of more derivatives of democratic governance and effective collaboration with the other arms of government.”

  • Akpabio hale, hearty in London, says Gbenga Daniel

    Akpabio hale, hearty in London, says Gbenga Daniel

    • Senate President: APC will win Ogun by-election

    A former Ogun State governor and the senator representing Ogun East in the National Assembly, Gbenga Daniel, has debunked a report that Senate President Godswill Akpabio has been hospitalised in an unnamed hospital in London.

    Daniel said he had a stopover in London and spoke with the Senate President on his planned return to Nigeria to partake in the August 16 by-election to fill the vacant seat of the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency of Ogun State, which was declared vacant due to the death of late former House of Representatives Deputy Whip Adewumi Onanuga.

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja by the Special Assistant to the Senate President on Media, Jackson Udom, Senator Daniel said: “I am here to formally inform you, Mr. Senate President, that I would be returning to Nigeria to partake in the August 16 by-election into the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency, which was declared vacant after the death of late Onanuga. Your Excellency, the news out there is that you have been indisposed, but seeing you here now paints a very different picture. Congratulations, Your Excellency.”

    Read Also: Civil society coalition alleges plot to blackmail Akpabio

    In his response, Akpabio thanked Daniel for informing him of the August 16 by-election and his decision to return home to partake in it.

    The Senate President assured the Ogun East senator that, from the information at his disposal, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would win the by-election.

    He said: “With the commitments and support of Governor Dapo Abiodun, your good self and other stakeholders of our party in the state, we will retain the House of Representatives seat at the end of the by-election.

    “Let me congratulate you in advance, because you have all it takes to retain that Federal Constituency seat for our great party. You are from there and, interestingly, the governor is also from there. So, I don’t harbour any fear.”