It was an outpouring from family, friends and associates as the wife of the President of the Senate, Mrs Ekaette Unoma Godswill Akpabio marked her 54th birthday at a ceremony in her country home in Ukana, Essien Udim Local Government Area.

Leading the charge, Senate President Godswill Akpabio in an emotional tribute declared to her: “be assured of my love forever. My dear wife, words cannot describe my joy as you add another year to your age today.

“Your life is replete with positive impact on humanity. Your love for fellow women, children and the less privileged in our society will continue to be celebrated.

“You made my tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom State exceptional when as the First Lady of the State 2007 – 2015 you initiated numerous programmes through the Family Life Enhancement Initiative (FLEI) which changed frowns to smiles on the faces of thousands of Akwa Ibom people. Your good deeds especially your humility in the service of our women, children and the vulnerable shall never be forgotten.

“Even out of office as the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, you have continued to impact lives through numerous empowerment initiatives, medical outreaches and other interventions like building houses for widows and the vulnerable.

“My family is blessed to have a God-fearing wife/mother like you,” he said.

Senator Akpabio expressed profound gratitude to his wife for her unwavering support to him, their children, and the people of Akwa Ibom, and presented her with a special birthday card, offering heartfelt prayers and goodwill messages.

President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, described Mrs as a role model and commended her significant contributions to national development through various empowerment initiatives.

Deputy Whip of the Senate, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, described Mrs Akpabio as a prayerful and supportive woman who has been steadfast in her support and encouragement of her husband’s political journey and leadership. He wished her many more years in her service to humanity.

An obviously overwhelmed celebrant, Mrs Akpabio thanked the husband for his love and support for her over the years of their marriage.

“Thank you my dear husband for your love and for always supporting me always. Thank you for loving me. I want to reassure you once again of my love, support and loyalty to you,” she said.

She expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the guests for their unwavering support, prayers and goodwill.

The celebration reached its peak with the ceremonial cutting of the birthday cake, followed by exchange of gifts from friends and well-wishers.

By George Mgbeleke

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin has rejoiced with Muslims in the country on the Eid-El-Kabir celebration, emphasising the importance of unity among the citizens.

In a special Sallah message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, Senator Barau urged Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for peace, unity and the country’s progress.

Senator Barau, who is the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, called on Nigerians to continue to pray for the well-being of the country and to offer their full support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that the President is genuinely working for peace and socio-economic prosperity of the Nation.

“I wish Muslims, and indeed all Nigerians, a memorable Eid-El-Kabir. This season reminds us to obey Allah’s instructions, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim. True Muslims should adhere to peace, tolerance, justice, and charity.

“In the spirit of this season, irrespective of our faith, let us rededicate and commit ourselves to the dreams and aspirations of building a strong, united, and economically sound country.

” President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated strong leadership and genuine commitment in addressing our country’s challenges. In the last two years, he has succeeded to a considerable extent in tackling our security challenges and stimulating our economy. By the grace of God, the fruit of the efforts will benefit all. We are on the path to prosperity,” he said.

To consolidate the successes recorded under this administration, Senator Barau said the National Assembly will continue formulating the necessary legislation to support the President in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to restore the country’s glorious days.

Eid Mubarak!

By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi

As Muslims across Nigeria mark the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, the Unified Nigeria Youth Forum (UNYF) has extended warm Sallah greetings to the Muslim faithful, praying for peace, unity, and prosperity for the nation.

In a message signed by its President, Comrade Toriah Olajide Filani and made available to journalists, the Forum felicitated with Muslims on the occasion of Sallah, urging Nigerians to reflect on the values of sacrifice, compassion, and community support that the festival represents.

However, the group expressed concern over the prevailing economic hardship, lamenting that many citizens are unable to celebrate this year’s Sallah with dignity due to worsening living conditions.

UNYF said that the rising poverty and dependence on alms during such an important religious festival reflect the failure of governance at all levels, calling on Nigerian youths to rise and demand accountability from their leaders beyond election periods.

“It is disturbing that despite the doubling of FAAC allocations, the suffering of the people continues without relief. The government must explain why there is no visible improvement in citizens’ welfare,” the Forum stated.

The group warned that political leaders should prioritize governance over the 2027 elections, stressing that their primary focus should be addressing hunger, poverty, unemployment, health crises, insecurity, and the growing number of out-of-school children.

“The least our leaders should be thinking about is how to retain power in the next election. Their energy should be channeled toward solving the problems that threaten our national stability and the dignity of our people,” it said.

The Forum reminded Nigerian youths that they make up over 70 percent of the voting population and have the power to demand good governance and transparency. It urged them not to wait for campaigns to begin before asking the right questions.

“This is not the time for politics but for governance. Leaders must be held to account now, not later. Nigerian youths must take responsibility for their future by engaging constructively and consistently,” the group emphasized.

UNYF also called on other youth organizations to unite in the effort to hold leaders accountable, regardless of religion or political affiliation, reminding public office holders that they will eventually account for their actions before God.

“Leadership should not be a means to enrich oneself. It is a sacred duty to serve humanity with sincerity and humility. We must build a culture of accountability and selfless service,” the statement concluded.