President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Obio Akpa, in Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Akpabio also praised Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for releasing the Obio Akpa campus of the Akwa Ibom State University to facilitate the immediate take-off of the new federal institution.
The President of the Senate spoke on Friday at the funeral service held in honour of the late former Majority Leader of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. (Elder) Imo Akpan Ibokette, at Abak International Nursery/Primary School, Abak Local Government Area.
According to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, Akpabio said he was looking forward to the admission of the first batch of students into the university, describing its establishment as a significant development for the senatorial district.
“I look forward to the admission of the first batch of students into the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology in this Senatorial District. Let me thank President Bola Tinubu for signing the bill which established the university,” Akpabio said.
He equally expressed appreciation to Governor Eno for making available a campus of the state university for the commencement of academic activities at the new federal institution this year.
Akpabio disclosed that the late Ibokette was among the first persons to contact him to express appreciation following the passage of the legislation establishing the university.
“Late Ibokette we are laying to rest today was the first to call and thank me on hearing of the passage of the bill establishing the university. His death is a personal loss to me,” he said.
The Senate President described his relationship with the Ibokette family as one that had endured for decades, stressing that political differences had never diminished the bond between them.
He described the deceased as a patriot, selfless leader, loving father and hardworking personality who overcame several challenges to make meaningful contributions to his community and the state.
According to him, Ibokette lived to witness the transformation he had fought and worked for before his death.
“He did his best and witnessed the uncommon transformation which he fought and worked for before his departure,” Akpabio said.
The funeral service was conducted by The Apostolic Church Nigeria and attended by family members, political associates, community leaders and other dignitaries who gathered to honour the late lawmaker.
