Thursday, December 19, 2024, will remain unforgettable in the hearts of the people of Abak Local Government Area, including non-indigenes, persons with disabilities, elders, women, and youths. The occasion marked the grand celebration of the 62nd birthday of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, organized by the Non-Executive Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Dr. Eunice Thomas.
The epoch-making event, which took place at the Secondary School, Ikot Oku Mfang, witnessed a large turnout of stakeholders, including members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), community leaders, representatives of the Igbo community, and other reputable groups. The physically challenged were not left out.
In her remarks, Dr. Eunice Thomas, an illustrious daughter of Abak by birth, expressed her heartfelt joy in celebrating the Senate President, Senator Akpabio, describing him as a leader whose positive impact is evident across Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria. She praised her husband for his unwavering support and thanked the people of Abak for their loyalty during the last elections.
“I want to sincerely thank you for not letting me down. When I came to seek your votes for Akpabio, you didn’t disappoint me. I told you to vote for him and hold me accountable. Today’s celebration is a sign of the greater rewards to come. Rest assured, I will always remain accountable,” Dr. Thomas assured.
She also eulogized the wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, describing her as a loving mother dedicated to addressing the needs of women and youths. Dr. Thomas assured the youths of Abak that they remain her priority, commending their loyalty, commitment to peace, and unwavering support for the party and their father, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The Chairman of the Planning Committee, a former member representing Abak State Constituency in the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Friday Iwok, described Dr. Thomas as a woman of excellence and capacity, committed to giving back to her community. He commended her for celebrating Senator Akpabio and for sharing the joy of the season with the people of Abak.
“I will continue to thank our dear leader and Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, for his visionary leadership and sincere love for us. Let me use this opportunity to thank our sister, Dr. Eunice Thomas, for this magnanimity. Today’s event demonstrates her commitment to her people, and we appreciate her efforts in celebrating Christmas with us,” Iwok noted.
Engr. Okon Udoh, Chairman of the occasion, called on other leaders to emulate Dr. Thomas by always remembering their roots and giving back to their communities.
Goodwill messages poured in from notable personalities, including Hon. Clement Jimbo, member representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika in the House of Representatives; Mr. Innocent Idiong, Abak APC Chairman; and representatives of various groups, including the Village Head, Youth Caucus, APC Women Leader, and the physically challenged.
The high point of the event was the distribution of 550 bags of rice across the wards, as well as musical renditions that added colour to the double celebration.
