Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
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 the state Governor, 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 Senate President, according to a statement by his Media Aide, Jackson Udom, spoke yesterday 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 of the state.
Akpabio, who expressed optimism that the university would commence academic activities this year, said he was looking forward to the admission of its pioneer students.
“I look forward to the admission of the first batch of students into the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology in this Senatorial District,” he said.
He thanked Tinubu for signing the legislation establishing the university, while also appreciating Eno for making available the state university’s Obio Akpa campus for the institution’s commencement.
“Let me thank President Bola Tinubu for signing the bill which established the university. Let me also thank our dear Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for releasing a campus of the Akwa Ibom State University for the commencement of academic activities this year,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President recalled that the late Ibokette was among the first persons to celebrate the establishment of the institution, describing his death as a personal loss.
“Late Ibokette, whom we are laying to rest today (Friday), 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. The Ibokette family and I share an intimate affinity that spans decades. Even the weight of political differences did not attenuate the relationship we shared. So, I personally mourn his demise,” he said.
Akpabio described the deceased former lawmaker as a patriot and selfless leader who made significant contributions to the development of his community and state.
He also portrayed Ibokette as a loving father and hardworking personality who overcame several challenges to make a meaningful impact during his lifetime.
According to him, the late lawmaker lived to witness some of the transformation for which he had fought and worked.
“He did his best and witnessed the uncommon transformation which he fought and worked for before his departure,” Akpabio said.
Akpabio said Ibokette’s contributions to public life and his enduring relationship with people across political divides would remain part of his legacy.
The establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology in Obio Akpa is expected to expand access to tertiary education in the senatorial district while strengthening training and research in agriculture, technology and related disciplines.
The funeral service was conducted by The Apostolic Church Nigeria, with political associates, family members, community leaders and other sympathisers paying their last respects to the former lawmaker.