President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has said the creation of Akwa Ibom State 39 years ago was a fulfilment of the long-held aspirations of the state’s founding fathers.
Akpabio stated this in a goodwill message to the government and people of Akwa Ibom State to mark the 39th anniversary of its creation.
In the message titled, “Akwa Ibom at 39: Celebrating Our Journey, Building Our Future,” the Senate President congratulated Governor Umo Eno, the state government and the people of Akwa Ibom on the anniversary.
He recalled that the creation of the state by the administration of former military President Ibrahim Babangida in 1987 was the culmination of years of sacrifice, advocacy and determination by the people who championed the struggle for its establishment.
“Thirty-nine years ago, the long-held aspiration of our forebears became reality with the creation of Akwa Ibom State. It was the fulfilment of a dream nurtured through years of sacrifice, advocacy, courage and an abiding faith in the capacity of our people to determine their destiny and build a prosperous homeland,” Akpabio said.
He paid tribute to the sons and daughters of the state whose vision and struggles contributed to its creation, noting that Akwa Ibom had since grown into one of Nigeria’s consequential states.
According to him, the state’s progress has been driven largely by the industry, ingenuity, hospitality and resilience of its people, many of whom have distinguished themselves in public service, business, academia, the professions, creative industries and sports.
“Our greatest resource has always been our people,” he said.
Akpabio, who served as governor of Akwa Ibom State for two terms, said he remained grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the development of the state during his tenure.
He described the period of his administration’s “Uncommon Transformation” as an example of what could be achieved when vision was matched with courage and public resources were deployed for the public good.
He said the infrastructure, institutions and human-capital investments made during that period were intended as foundations upon which successive generations could continue to build.
The Senate President also commended Governor Umo Eno for sustaining the state’s development through the ARISE Agenda, particularly in the areas of peace, rural development, economic advancement and the welfare of the people.
Akpabio urged successive leaders to place the development of Akwa Ibom above partisan considerations, stressing that every generation had a responsibility to improve on the legacy it inherited.
“At 39, therefore, our celebration must be accompanied by renewed determination. We must continue to build an Akwa Ibom where every child can dream without limitation; where enterprise and innovation flourish; where our young people find opportunities to translate their talents into prosperity,” he said.
He further called for continued efforts to strengthen communities, promote unity and preserve peace as the state approaches its fourth decade.
“As we approach the fourth decade of our State’s existence, let us remember the faith of those who fought for its creation and resolve to leave to those coming after us a State greater than the one we inherited,” Akpabio said.
He concluded by wishing the government and people of Akwa Ibom a happy 39th anniversary, declaring: “Akwa Ibom is rising. And together, we shall continue to build a future worthy of the dreams of our founding fathers. God bless Akwa Ibom State.”
