Engr. Ekpotu Marks 50th Birthday

It was an occasion for encomiums and tributes as the Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor, Engr. Patrick Ekpotu celebrated his 50th Birthday anniversary in a grand style at the Le’Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Nwaniba.
In his tribute at the event, Governor Godswill Akpabio who described his deputy as a young man at 50, a writer, poet and a man of destiny, said his presence at the occasion underscored the cordial working relationship he has enjoyed from Ekpotu.
Thanking the Deputy Governor’s wife, Mrs. Mbosowo Ekpotu for being a good wife, the Governor said he was looking forward to turning fifty and more. He prayed that God Almighty would grant Engineer Ekpotu the grace to remain strong and be a good father.
Chief Akpabio who also urged the children of Engr. Ekpotu to emulate their father, used the occasion to appreciate the roles played by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah and others for their roles in the abolition of on-shore/off-shore oil dichotomy.
The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Mr. Efiok Cohbam, who conveyed the goodwill of the government and people of his sate, described Engr. Ekpotu as a study in leadership, an honest and sincere politician endowed with what he termed infectious humility.
On his part, the Abia State Deputy Governor, Comrade Chris Akomas described Engr. Ekpotu as a friend of Abia State, a wonderful brother and a personal friend.
He said it was a privilege for Engr. Ekpotu to celebrate 50 years at a time Nigeria is also marking 50 years of independence, and also among those serving the nation, and very well for that matter.
The Chairman of the occasion and member, PDP Board of Trustees, Atuekong Don Etiebet described Engr. Patrick Ekpotu as “a man akwa Ibom is proud of”, adding that the unity of purpose between Engr. Ekpotu and Governor Akpabio as unrivalled. He extolled the humane and humble disposition of the Deputy Governor to everyday issues of life.
The Director of Operations, Naval headquarter, Abuja, Rear Admiral Umosen said he had always shared brotherly issues with Engr. Ekpotu, while the Speaker of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, Mr. Onofiok Luke who saluted Engr. Ekpotu’s powers of oratory, wondered how the “Golden Boy” had been able to remain youthful and without gray hairs, even at 50.
The event featured the cutting of 50th Birthday cake by Engr. Ekpotu flanked by his wife, Mrs. Mbosowo, Governor Godswill Akpabio, the children and other dignitaries.
Proposing the birthday toast, Mr. James Didier, a long standing friend of Engr. Ekpotu from his university days, described the deputy Governor as an activist, a philanthropist, a resourceful and humane person, with legendary humility.
The wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Mbosowo, who claimed glory for the constant smiles on her husband’s face, thanked Governor Akpabio for accepting her husband as his second in command.
Responding to the encomiums showered on him, the man of the moment, Engr. Patrick Ekpotu, said the Night of Tributes was organized to thank God for making it possible for him to clock 50 years on earth.
Describing Governor Godswill Akpabio as a brother, a boss and a leader with the capacity to lead well, the Deputy Governor emphasized that the encomiums poured on him were made possible by the privilege of working with a visionary, a seer and dreamer, cultured by family background.
The event, he noted was an opportunity to celebrate the past, as well as an opportunity to have a taste of the future.