Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio has disclosed that the widespread hunger and poverty he witnessed among his people pushed him into politics.
He made the revelation during an event tagged “Uncommon Evening with Akpabio,” organised by the All Progressives Congress Youth Wing in Abuja on October 10. Addressing a large audience of young Nigerians, Akpabio encouraged them to remain hopeful about the nation’s future despite current challenges. He explained that many indigenes of Akwa Ibom were once known mainly for menial jobs as gatekeepers and housemaids—positions that reflected the state’s poor economic standing at the time.
Akpabio said that reality fuelled his determination to transform Akwa Ibom, adding that his administration focused not only on infrastructure but also on improving the lives of the people. He noted that the state has since evolved into a thriving centre for tourism and business.
The Senate President also spoke about a viral video shared by media personality Daddy Freeze, in which a young man recounted receiving 85,000 dollars from Akpabio years ago during a flight—an act that helped him become financially established.
Akpabio previously served two terms as Governor of Akwa Ibom State between 2007 and 2015, represented his senatorial district from 2015, became a Minister in 2019, and has been the 15th President of the Nigerian Senate since 2023.
