Gov. Akpabio bags US Congressional Recognition

Gov Godswill Akpabioof Akwa Ibom State(R) displaying his certificate of US Congressional Recognition presented to him by US Congress woman,Sheila Jackson Lee(L) in Houston last weekend

Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio was over the weekend given Certificate of Congressional Recognition by a member of the United States House of Representatives for exemplary leadership and uncommon transformation in Akwa Ibom state.

Presenting the certificate on behalf of the 18 th  Congressional District of Texas, Ms Sheila Jackson Lee said the gesture was in recognition of the leadership qualities of Chief Akpabio in turning around Akwa Ibom state from obscurity to tourism destination of the world.

In the same vein, his wife, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio was accorded the same recognition by the Congresswoman for her “mission to empower women, alleviate poverty, encourage youths who are disillusioned and give the disable a sense of belonging.”

The Certificate was presented at the Gala night and the launch of Uyai Iban International by the wife of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Akpabio, which chronicled all the activities organized by Akwa Ibom Diaspora Network (AIDN) at the prestigious Westin Houston Memorial City hotel and resort in Houston, Texas, United States Of America.

Governor Akpabio who was evidently surprised to be so honoured in a foreign land, described the recognition as one of the best things that has happened to him in the course of his mission of transforming Akwa Ibom state from a civil service state to urban economy through provision of free and compulsory education, infrastructural development, provision of basic amenities for the teeming population, and job creation.

Governor Akpabio who started his response with one his favourite songs, “It shall be permanent what the Lord has done for me,” thanked the US congress for the recognition and encomiums poured on him by its representative, saying the gesture would act as a stimulus for more uncommon transformation. “I am happy that a true story can come from Akwa Ibom state…….We represent the new future for Nigeria and indeed, Africa. Our desire is to make our state a role model for others to emulate. On behalf my wife, I receive this certificate with humility and this recognition would spur us to do more work to empower our people for greater Nigeria.”

He commended the US congress for their good job and visionary leadership in the world, saying “you are doing a good job, not only in America, but in the world. Your mission to make the world a safer place for all is worthy of emulation.”

Ms Lee, a member of the US House of Representatives, said Governor Akpabio's re-election was moved by “an overwhelming people's mandate and a vision, which subsequently developed into a nine-point agenda to re-brand and re-position Akwa Ibom State in the Nigerian configuration through programmes such as industrialization, poverty reduction, community entrepreneurship, food security, among others.

 
The Certificate reads: “In just a year, a web of modern road network was deplored across all the 31 Local Government areas of the State for greater accessibility, the state now holds world class events…,” said Ms Lee, adding “The focus is industrialization and to do that His Excellency has placed the state's resources in the right baskets, the baskets of air transport, seaport, tourism, skills acquisition, education, agriculture, among others.”

She described Akwa Ibom state under the leadership of Chief Akpabio as “ as a state with limitless opportunities,” saying “with so many projects delivered, over 300 of them, and a lot still in the works, Akwa Ibom state now stands out as a foremost state in the Niger Delta, not embroiled in tribal wars, militancy or crime.”

According to her, the progress so far witnessed in the state has motivated her to give recognition to whom it is due. “Now therefore, be it resolved that, on behalf of the constituents of the 18 th  Congressional District of Texas, I take great pride in welcoming His Excellency Gov. Akpabio and Mrs. Akpabio to Houston, Texas. Indeed, your successful work in Akwa Ibom state and your shining example of leadership are truly worthy of respect, admiration, and commendation of the United States Congress,” she said.