Picture shows Sen. (Dr) Goodwill Obot Akpabio, GCON (3rd rt) admiring the artwork with Distinguished Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Chairman Sen. Committee on NDDC (1st rt), Chief (Dr) Sylvester Okonkwo, Esq., FCAI (2nd rt), and his second son Engr Rufus Nnaeto Okonkwo during the courtesy visit and birthday insignia presentation
By Amah Alphonsus Amaonye
Director General, African Writers Centre (AWC)
In a meaningful tribute to a distinguished statesman whose distinguished public career has profoundly shaped Nigeria’s political, infrastructural, and human development landscape, a symbolic artwork titled “Ad Infinitum” was presented to the President of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Senator (Dr.) Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, on the occasion of his 63rd birthday.
The presentation was made by his former Chief of Staff and current Executive Director (Corporate Services) of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), Chief (Dr.) Sylvester Okonkwo, Esq., FCAI, accompanied by his second son, Engr. Rufus Nnaeto Okonkwo, during a courtesy visit in Abuja.
The artwork, a meticulously crafted portrait on canvas, designed to endure for at least 500 years under proper preservation conditions was named “Ad Infinitum” to symbolise an enduring friendship and a legacy that transcends time. In presenting the gift, Dr. Okonkwo respectfully requested His Excellency’s approval to have the portrait permanently displayed in the Senate Leadership Photo Gallery, where it would serve as both a personal tribute and a national symbol.
A Lifetime of Uncommon Impact and Transformational Leadership
Few contemporary Nigerian leaders have matched the breadth of vision, speed of execution, and transformative governance demonstrated by Senator Akpabio during his tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom State (2007–2015), Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, and now as President of the 10th Senate.
His public service career is widely regarded as “uncommon,” characterised by an extraordinary “Akpabio Miracle” and a “Midas touch” that redefined governance through world-class infrastructure, human capital development, and unwavering loyalty to the Nigerian state.
Uncommon Transformation: Repositioning Akwa Ibom State
During his eight-year governorship, Senator Akpabio delivered what citizens aptly termed the “Uncommon Transformation”, a comprehensive infrastructural renaissance that permanently altered the state’s character and prospects.
Key achievements include:
1. Over 3,000 km of high-quality roads, including strategic flyovers, dualised highways, urban expansions, and enhanced rural connectivity.
2. The world-class Ibom International Airport, complete with the first Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) hangar in West Africa, establishing the state as an aviation hub.
3. A FIFA-rated 45,000-capacity stadium that placed Akwa Ibom on the global sports map.
4. A state-of-the-art quaternary hospital equipped for open-heart surgery, liver and kidney transplants, and other advanced medical procedures.
5. The Ibom Gulf Resort and Four Points by Sheraton hotel in Ikot Ekpene, transforming the state into a premier tourism destination.
6. An ultra-modern Government House completed within nine months of his first term.
7. The first e-Library in the South-South and South-East regions, a digitally connected knowledge hub accommodating over 3,000 users.
8. Revolutionary flood-control infrastructure using Copenhagen-engineered 40-ft underground technology to eliminate perennial flooding in Uyo without surface disruption.
9. The Ibom Power Plant and gas pipeline initiatives, among the earliest gas-to-power projects in Nigeria, developed through public-private partnerships.
10. Conceptualisation and detailed planning of the Ibaka Deep Seaport, with blueprints prepared by world-renowned consultants Worley Parsons (UK).
Uncommon Human Capital Development
Widely celebrated as “the Governor who turned boys into men,” Senator Akpabio prioritised youth and gender empowerment. His administration introduced free and compulsory education for all children in the state, regardless of origin, and enacted the Child Rights and Education Enforcement Law to prohibit the exploitation of school-age children as domestic workers.
These policies eradicated long-standing socio-cultural stigmas, expanded literacy rates, and created new generations of professionals, technocrats, and entrepreneurs across Akwa Ibom.
Completion of the NDDC Headquarters
As Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Akpabio accomplished what had eluded previous administrations for over 20 years: the swift completion of the permanent headquarters of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), ending wasteful expenditure on rented accommodations and resolving a major administrative challenge.
Unbroken Loyalty: The Hallmark of His Leadership
Dr. Okonkwo highlighted that Senator Akpabio’s defining trait is his steadfast loyalty to the state, to the Presidency, and to the nation. This commitment has manifested in his support for Presidents Goodluck Jonathan, Muhammadu Buhari and now Bola Ahmed Tinubu, always placing national interest above partisan considerations.
As Senate President: A Determined Democrat
Under Senator Akpabio’s leadership, the 10th Senate has passed landmark reform bills, fostered strong executive-legislative harmony, and positioned the National Assembly as a stabilising force in Nigeria’s democracy. He remains one of the most accessible and people-centred Senate Presidents in the country’s history.
“ Ad Infinitum”: A Portrait Reflecting an Enduring Legacy
The artwork encapsulates indelibility, perpetuity, adoration and significance, a testament to a life dedicated to public service and the lasting impact of Senator Akpabio’s contributions.
A Birthday, a Legacy and a Nation’s Gratitude
At 63, His Excellency Senator Godswill Akpabio stands as a patriot, reformer, champion of human development and leader who embodies compassion and integrity. From infrastructure to education, from unwavering loyalty to national service, his legacy continues to enrich the Nigerian story.
The African Writers Centre joins Nigerians in wishing Senator Godswill Akpabio many happy returns and continued success in his service to the nation.
