RECENTLY, Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State was awarded a Doctorate in Management Sciences (honoris causa) by the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna. And not a few Nigerians were surprised with the honour.Before now, the governor had endeared friends and foes alike with transformation projects, which had marked out his administration in his state.Many, who had visited Uyo, the state capital can attest to the governor's drive for development that saw him transforming the once glorified village to a destination of sort.According to a foremost Akwa Ibom state-born medical practitioner and educator, Dr Mike Eshiet, 'Akpabio's exemplary leadership qualities are excellent research topics for doctorate degrees by budding future political leaders in Africa.'He said that with thevision and selflessness with which the Governor has developed projects that would enhance the quality and wellbeing of the people, he has endeared himself and his team to people across borders.This had won him many awards, which include a Fellow of Hussaini Adamu Federal Polytechnic, Kazaure, Jigawa State and a Certificate of Congressional Recognition conferred on him in Houston, Texas, USA by Ms Sheila Jackson Lee, a member ofthe 18th Congressional District of Texas,on behalf of the Speaker.Akpabio was described as a 'shining example of leadership, worthy of respect, admiration and commendation of the United States Congress.' The Certificate read in part: 'In just a year, a web of modern road network was deplored across all the 31 Local Council areas of the State for greater accessibility, the state now holds world class events'The focus is industrialization and to do that, Akpabio has placed the state's resources in the right baskets, the baskets of air transport, seaport, tourism, skills acquisition, education, agriculture, among others.'She described Akwa Ibom under Akpabio as 'a state with limitless opportunities,' saying that 'with so many projects delivered, over 300 of them, and a lot still in the works, Akwa Ibom state now stands out as a foremost state in the Niger Delta, not embroiled in tribal wars, militancy or crime.'Recently, a chieftain of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Lagos State and member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Ipoola Ahmed Omisore described Akpabio as one of the very few governors who are genuinely committed to the development of his state, through prudent management of resources since 2007.With the strides made so far, it was not much of a surprise that the elite training institution, the Nigerian Military Training College to honour him for his uncommon contributions to the upliftment of the nation.Akpabio, who became the first civilian governor to be so honoured by the military institution, ironically was denied admission into the Nigerian Military School, Zaria, as a young man, even after he had one of the highest scores. He was rejected simply because he had no godfather who could endorse his completed form.However, many years later, his determination, doggedness and dedication to the service ofhumanity as well as his sincerity of purpose and commitment to societal ideal had stood him out for the award from the Nigerian Defence Academy.The ceremony attracted supporters and admirers, who took over almost the entire space of the institution with their resplendent gears. Not in a long while had KuruMasi, Kaduna and its environs, home of the prestigious NDA played host to such large number of visitors.Inside the hall, applause and lots of cheers rented the air as Akpabio, who already has about four honorary doctorates from prominent institutions, was invited to the podium. Even President Goodluck Jonathan admitted that Akpabio has done the nation proud and so deserves the unique honour.According to the President, Akpabio's recognition came as a reward for hard work and great accomplishments. The litany of awards and especially the one from NDA, to many, was an indication that hard work does not kill but elevates. That the recognition came from an apolitical institution like the NDA, noted for its strategic planning, also divorced accusations of political bias.In the words of an officer, NDA's strategic and intensive intelligence located Akpabio's uncommon achievements spanning education, health, infrastructure, and the like.As a national institution, NDA, according to the organizers of the event, monitored all the governors and became convinced - based on the Governor's verifiable achievements; his nationalistic approach to governance; and his transparent style of leadership that he is a true patriot.Commenting on Akpabio's achievements, Barnabas Okom, who hails from Cross River State, said the governor's transformation was not limited to his state.Okom said: 'Godswill Akpabio has tarred all the federal roads in his state, stopping where the boundary of Akwa Ibom stops,' thereby showing exemplary leadership.Emmanuel Ekop, another indigene resident in the United States, described the award as a further testament to Akpabio's aggressive accomplishments. 'A governor, whosepeople-focused leadership was recently described as 'impressive' by Wikileaks, thus making him a man to watch, Akpabio has drawn a large-fan base national and internationally, owing to his unparalleled achievements.' he added.
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