Senate President Godswill Akpabio has stressed the importance of sustained cooperation between the Federal Government and Akwa Ibom State in driving development, saying the state’s progress demonstrates the value of political collaboration beyond party lines.

Akpabio made the submission in Uyo while conveying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s goodwill to Akwa Ibom as the state celebrated its 39th anniversary, commending Governor Umo Eno for maintaining a working relationship with the National Assembly and other political stakeholders.

According to the Senate President, such collaboration had helped create an environment for development across the state, including the transformation of areas previously devastated by erosion into recreational spaces. He described the development as evidence of what could be achieved when political leadership focuses on converting challenges into opportunities for public benefit.

Akpabio said President Tinubu was proud of the developmental strides recorded in Akwa Ibom and would personally celebrate the state’s anniversary when he returns, adding that the President had asked him to convey his greetings to the people.

He also called for the preservation of unity among Akwa Ibom’s political leaders, traditional institutions and communities, stressing the need for continued cooperation between the state and neighbouring Cross River State.

The Senate President paid particular tribute to the Oku Ibom Ibibio and traditional rulers across the 31 local government areas, as well as political leaders from different parties whose contributions, he said, remained important to the state’s progress.

Governor Eno, who described the anniversary as a “night of gratitude”, acknowledged the contributions of past administrations and individuals to the development of Akwa Ibom, saying his government was building on the foundations laid before it.

He particularly recognised former Governor Obong Victor Attah as the “father of modern Akwa Ibom”, noting that the state’s development should be viewed as a continuum rather than the achievement of any single administration.

The anniversary dinner attracted former governors and deputy governors, Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, Minister of State for Gas Ekperikpe Ekpo, members of the National Assembly, local government chairmen, commissioners and other prominent Akwa Ibom indigenes.

Also present were CBN Deputy Governor Emem Usoro, actress Ini Edo, comedian and filmmaker Bovi Ugboma, who served as master of ceremonies, and chef Hilda Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci.

The celebration featured musical performances, presentations and the unveiling of food varieties for the 2026 Christmas Village, Mbopo Akwa Ibom and the Christmas Carol Portal, before the cutting of the 39th anniversary cake.