President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology in Obio Akpa, Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Akpabio also praised the 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 academic activities at the new federal institution.
The Senate President made the remarks on Friday at the funeral service of the late former Majority Leader of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Imo Akpan Ibokette, held at the Abak International Nursery/Primary School in Abak Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, Akpabio expressed optimism that the institution would soon admit 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. 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,” he said.
Akpabio also recalled the late Ibokette’s support for the establishment of the university, describing his death as ‘a personal loss.’
He said the late lawmaker was the first person who called and congratulated him after learning of the passage of the Bill establishing the institution.
“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,” Akpabio stated.
The Senate President described the deceased as a patriot, selfless leader, loving father and hardworking personality who overcame several challenges to make significant contributions to his community and state.
He said Ibokette lived to witness what he described as the “uncommon transformation” for which he had fought and worked before his death.
The funeral service was conducted by The Apostolic Church Nigeria.
