… Appreciate Gov Eno On His Appointment
MKPAT ENIN
Stakeholders from Itu Local Government Area have identified with and congratulated the vice chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), Professor Otoabasi Etim Akpan, over his appointment by the governor of Akwa Ibom, Pastor Umo Eno.
The stakeholders, led by the political leader of Itu and commissioner for housing, Dr. Henry Archibong, demonstrated their kindredship, solidarity with the vice chancellor as well as expressed appreciation to Governor Eno, Thursday, during a courtesy visit on the AKSU vice chancellor at the Senate Council Chambers of the University at Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin.
The delegation, made up of traditional rulers, scholars, professionals, youths and women, appreciated Governor Eno, for appointing their own to the exalted office of Vice Chancellor, describing the gesture as a deserving recognition of the high intellectual resources that Itu, as a local government, is blessed with and known for.
Speaking, the political leader, who is also a former House of Representatives Member for Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, Archibong, said the visit became necessary to formally congratulate the AKSU vice chancellor for his intellectual rise, administrative acumen, as well as commend him for his leadership impact.
“Your performance academically and administratively has made you a star. And you will keep shinning. Thank you for making us proud,” Archibong said.
Also, the deputy speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kufreabasi Edidem and executive chairman of Itu Local Government Council, Mr. Ubong Nkutt, in their separate speeches, noted that the visit was also to show solidarity to reassure the vice chancellor of their continued support, as well as to openly thank Governor Umo Eno for the appointment which, according to them, “is a reflection of the inclusive template of the ARISE Agenda”.
Edidem described Akpan as an uncle, father and highly respected son of Itu and lauded his track record in the academia and public service.
“Thank you for shinning the light for Itu people and Akwa Ibom State. We will always support you. We came to congratulate you, for you to know that we value, love and appreciate your contributions to Itu and Akwa Ibom development”, Edidem stated.
On his part, Nkutt maintained that Prof. Otoabasi Akpan has shown example in academic resilience worthy of emulation, saying this was a challenge to others to follow in lifting Itu higher and higher.
Responding, the AKSU vice chancellor, Akpan, said the visit was both heartwarming and a practical expression of love that would lift his spirits for the challenges and expectations of the office.
“I thank you for showing me this quality of love and coming all the way from Itu to my office, a distance of over 60 kilometres, to encourage and appreciate me for what God has used me to do for Akwa Ibom State and humanity”, Akpan remarked.
He, particularly, thanked the stakeholders for their discretion for the visit, assuring them that he will do everything within his power to ensure he does not fail in the mandate entrusted to him by Governor Umo Eno, the University Community, and Akwa Ibom people as a whole.
“What you have done by initiating this event is not common and shall never be forgotten. You postponed your personal and official engagements just for the purpose of visiting me. I’m grateful. But, please help me thank His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, for this great love and appointment. I will never disappoint him and my people”.
Giving highlights of his strides since assumption of office, Akpan disclosed that he inherited 42 programmes, and has worked hard to increase the number to 103, presently. According to him, another area of breakthrough is securing the establishment of a College of Medicine and Surgery, which would be handed over to the State government during the 39th Anniversary of Akwa Ibom State creation.
It would be recalled that Akpan assumed office initially in an acting capacity in August 2025 and was confirmed as the substantive vice chancellor of AKSU, the fourth, by the State Governor on February 23, 2026, succeeding Professor Nse Essien.
The delegation, numbering more than 70 Itu sons and daughters, included former Secretary to Akwa Ibom State Government, Obonganwan Grace Ekong; SSA to the governor on Marketing and Brand Management, Sir Raphael Edem; former commissioner for agriculture, Professor Etok Ekanem; Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Information, Akparawa James Edet; as well as Barr Godwin Awah, Ph.D; Dr. Ekaette Ebong Okon; former House of Assembly member for Itu State Constituency; managing director of BASSE Engineering, Engr. Bassey Ekanem; HSA on Women Mobilization, Mrs Elsie Esara; APC Caucus chairman for Itu, Engr Akan Okon, as well as the State Chairman of Trade Union Congress, TUC, Akparawa Kingsley Sammy Akpan.
Also present were the secretary to Itu Local Government Council, Mr Imoh Okon; APC State House of Assembly standard bearer for Itu, Engr Emmanuel Udang; leader of Itu Legislative Council, Hon. Godswill David; Elder Emmanuel Abel and Elder Enefiok Udoh, Deans, College of Honourable Supervisors and Ward Personal Assistants to the governor, respectively; the Chiefs of Staff, to the Executive Chairman and Deputy Speaker, Hon. George Akpan and Hon. Godspower Udoffe, respectively, among many other dignitaries.
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