Senator Godswill Akpabio has congratulated the indigenes and government of Akwa Ibom State on the 35th anniversary of its creation.
Akwa Ibom was created some 35 years ago by a former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, GCFR.
The former Senate Minority Leader, in a congratulatory message by his Chief Press Secretary, Jackson Udom, also urged the people to continue with the “forward ever developmental mantra” of the state.
Akpabio, who is the immediate past Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, said successive administrations, since its creation, have put in their best to make the state what it is today.
A former governor of the state, Akpabio is also the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District in the 2023 elections.
“From the year our dear state was created 35 years ago, successive governments, which I had the privilege to head one, had put in their best to make the state what it is today,” he said.
Akpabio said: “Much progress has been made in the area of education, health, social and economic development.
“And, as far as I know, the best is yet to come for our beloved state and our dear country.
“35 years ago, we commenced the journey for a collective identity, which was intended to put our destinies in our hands through our leaders.
“[This was] in order to give our children, the youth, the women and unborn generations, a sense of ownership and pride in the affairs of the state.
“My tenure, (2007-2015) as the governor, undoubtedly witnessed the era of Uncommon Transformation, when development in all facets of our lives was unleashed on the state.
“And our people were not just better for it, but also gained national and international recognitions.
“Let me therefore, congratulate the governor, members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers, royal fathers, stakeholders and citizens of our dear state on this 35th Anniversary of our statehood.”
The former APC presidential aspirant also prayed for peace, unity and development of the state.
“Let us, as a people, continue to embrace the slogan of Forward Ever, Backward Never in the development strides of our dear state,” Akpabio added.
