Political associates and friends have extolled the sterling virtues of Obong Eno Sampson Akpan, a former Member of House of Representatives, and a prominent son of Akwa Ibom State on his birthday anniversary.
The associates mostly from the political and bureaucratic class gathered at his residence in Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, Akwa Ibom capital, on Monday, July 25, and thanked God for protecting the life and preserving the health of the celebrator for several years on earth.
While setting the tone, Eunice, wife of the celebrator welcomed all to the event and thanked them for coming to celebrate with her husband while he is alive.
Etido Ibekwe, a medical doctor and former member Akwa Ibom House of Assembly described Akpan a role model both in Ukanafun and in the state politics as well as a leader of great repute.
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Ibekwe, Chief Whip in the House, congratulated him on his birthday and wished him more fruitful years to the service of humanity.
Speaking too, Kingsley Akpabio, Secretary of Afe Annang, attributed his emergence in the socio-cultural organization to Akpan’s recommendation and sagacity.
Akpabio, the Ikot Ekpene-born Professor, hailed Akpan as a man who respects elders and prayed God to shower him with more blessings.
Also, Emmanuel Obot, a one-time Member House of Representatives, described Akpan as a straight forward, honest and generous person.
Obot who was also member in the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly urged him to be relentless in making his contributions to the growth of the state and Ukanafun as a whole.
Obong Saturday Akpan, former member who represented Ukanafun State Constituency in the state House of Assembly, described him a jolly good fellow and team player.
Akpan who is the Commissioner, Akwa Ibom Local Government Service Commissioner said Akpan has traversed political route for about 40 years, urged him to continue to hold the political power without surrendering yet to the youngsters.
The Chairman of Ukanafun Local Government Area, Godwin Inyieng acknowledged him as his political father and a man with Midas touch.
Inyieng who is also a Church Pastor attributed his emergence as a local government Chairman to Akpan’s benevolence and political artistry.
Mr. Senas Ukpanah, former Minister of Trade and Tourism described life as a journey in which most people traverse the length of human endeavours.
Ukpanah who also served as Special Adviser to Akwa Ibom Government on Investment felicitated Obong Akpan on his birthday, praising him for charting the course of love, unity and cooperation among the various shades of people in his lifetime.
Engr. Billy Etuk, former Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party in Akwa Ibom recounted how he handed over to him as the President of Students’ Union, The Polytechnic, Calabar.
Etuk who sees him as a good in-law enthused that Akpan is a man who emulates him, even up to following to live with him as a neighbour in the Ewet Housing Estate.
He described him as jolly good fellow and firm leader who has ably piloted politics of the state and Ukanafun for years.
On his part, Evangelist Emem Etokabasi Udom described him as a quintessential leader and great mentor who, over the years, has turned many boys to men.
Udom who is PDP candidate for Ukanafun State Constituency prayed God to grant him more rewarding years.
Earlier, Obong Akpan had thanked God for keeping him for the past years, saying he would continue to thank Him for His mercy over his life and family.
He thanked his numerous friends, associates and counterparts for the show of love and solidarity on his birthday.
Born on July 25, 1954, Akpan represented Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2003 and had served as executive Chairman of Ukanafun Local Government Area between 1997 and 1998.
Apart from serving as the Commissioner in the Ministries of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Environment and Lands and Survey, Akpan who is married with four children is the current political leader of Ukanafun.
Among the dignitaries at the epochal event were Rt. Hon. Peter Linus Umoh, a one-time Speaker, Akwa Ibom of Assembly and member House of Representatives, Dr. Esio Oquong-Udoh, member House of Representatives; Hon. Xavier Udoh who represented Essien Udim/Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara in the House of Representatives.
Others were Otobong S. Akpan who represented Ukanafun State Constituency in the House of Assembly; Dr. Patrick Uko, a one-time Provost, College of Education, Afaha Nsit; Mrs Stella Etokakpan, Permanent Secretary, Hospitals Management Board; Dr. Nestor Udoh, retired Permanent Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Asanga and Bishop Moswill, founder of Rapture Trust Ministries, among others.
