Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio described his wife, Unoma, as a role model and someone whose life has had a positive impact on the family and the society.
This was as Akpabio who joined family, friends and associates in celebrating his wife, Ekaette Unoma who marked 54th birthday at a ceremony in her country home in Ukana, Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom on June 9.
The 62-year-old noted “be assured of my love forever. My dear wife, words cannot describe my joy as you add another year to your age today.”
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A statement by the Special Assistant to the President of the Senate on Media/Communication, Anietie Ekong quoted the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio saying “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.
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.
Jewel
The ex-Akwa Ibom Governor noted, “My dear wife, Her Excellency, Dr (Mrs) Ekaette Unoma Godswill Akpabio, words cannot describe my joy as you add another year to your age today. Your love for fellow women, children and the less privileged will continue to be celebrated.”
The former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs further stated that his wife’s good deeds, particularly her humility in serving 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. On behalf of myself, the children and the good people of Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District, I wish you a happy birthday and many happy returns.
“May God grant you many more years on earth to celebrate Him and your adorable Mother – The Blessed Virgin Mary – Mother of God, amen. Be assured of my love forever,” Mr Akpabio wrote.
Also, President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, described Mrs Akpabio 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 celebrator, 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. 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.
Before now
During the controversy surrounding the sexual harassment allegation, Mrs Akpabio defended her husband, describing the accusations as not only false but also a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation.
She maintained that her husband was a disciplined man who had consistently demonstrated respect for women and actively supported their inclusion in governance, even before assuming his current position.
She, however, filed two defamation lawsuits against Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Mrs Akpabio demanded N350 billion in damages for the harm caused to her husband’s reputation.
In the suits marked CV/814/25 and CV/816/25, the Senate President’s wife demanded N250 billion and N100 billion in general damages, respectively.
She claimed the allegations had caused emotional and psychological distress to both herself and their children.
One lesser-known trait of Senate President Godswill Akpabio that has emerged since Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan accused him of sexual harassment is his romantic side.
In March 2024, a picture of Mr Akpabio kissing his wife, Ekaette, taken in June 2023, resurfaced online. Showing off his romantic side again, he penned a love note to his wife in a post on his Facebook page to mark her birthday.
