AKPABIO CELEBRATES WIFE’S 54TH BIRTHDAY WITH EMOTIONAL TRIBUTES, PRAISE FROM DIGNITARIES
Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Monday hosted a heartfelt celebration for his wife, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, as she turned 54, at their serene Ukana country home in Essien Udim LGA, Akwa Ibom State. The event, attended by dignitaries, friends, and family members, was filled with emotion, glowing tributes, and a reaffirmation of the enduring legacy of the former First Lady of Akwa Ibom.
In an emotionally charged speech, Senator Akpabio declared, “Be assured of my love forever,” while lauding her enduring impact on the lives of women, children, and the vulnerable across the state. He recalled her role in launching and managing the Family Life Enhancement Initiative (FLEI) during his governorship between 2007 and 2015, which empowered thousands through healthcare, housing, and economic support. Even out of public office, he noted, she remains a force for good through various philanthropic activities, including building homes for widows and supporting grassroots medical missions.
Business magnate Aliko Dangote, present at the ceremony, praised Mrs. Akpabio’s relentless contributions to national development, calling her “a role model in quiet service and nation-building.” Senate Deputy Whip Onyekachi Nwaebonyi also described her as a spiritual pillar in her husband’s political life, celebrating her for combining loyalty with action.
A visibly moved Mrs. Akpabio responded with gratitude to her husband and guests, pledging continued support and devotion to her family and community. “Thank you for loving me and standing by me. I reaffirm my love and loyalty,” she said.
The festivities concluded with the cutting of the birthday cake, gift exchanges, and a warm atmosphere of celebration and kinship.
Separately, Grace Ike, Chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (FCT), in a congratulatory message, hailed Mrs. Akpabio as a “visionary leader and beacon of hope,” applauding her work in healthcare, education, women’s empowerment, and rural development. Ike emphasized her influence in changing lives through scholarships, medical outreaches, and skill-building programs, describing her as a “standard-bearer of corporate social responsibility.”
