Place of Birth: Ukana, Ikot Ntuen, Essien Udim Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Early Life and Education
Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio was born into the family of Chief Obot Akpabio and Madam Lucy Obot Akpabio. He lost his father early in life and was raised by his mother. He attended Methodist Primary School, Ukana, and later Federal Government College, Port Harcourt, where he served as the Senior Prefect.
He proceeded to the University of Calabar, where he studied Law and graduated with an LL.B degree. During his university years, he displayed early leadership skills and served as the Speaker of the Students’ Union Government Parliament (1987/88).
Professional Career
After being called to the Nigerian Bar, Akpabio worked briefly as a teacher before joining the law firm Paul Usoro & Co. He later ventured into the telecommunications sector, becoming the Managing Director/CEO of EMIS Telecoms Ltd in Lagos.
Political Career
His political journey began when he was appointed Commissioner in Akwa Ibom State (2002–2006), serving in key ministries such as Petroleum & Natural Resources, Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs, and Lands & Housing.
In 2007, he was elected Governor of Akwa Ibom State under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and was re-elected in 2011. His administration was known for massive infrastructure development, free education, healthcare for pregnant women and children, and iconic projects like the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
In 2015, he was elected Senator for Akwa Ibom North-West and became Senate Minority Leader. In 2018, he defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He was later appointed Minister for Niger Delta Affairs (2019–2022).
In 2023, he returned to the Senate and was elected President of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on June 13, 2023.
Personal Life
Senator Akpabio is happily married and blessed with children. He is known as a family man who values unity, service, and faith in God.
Awards and Recognitions
Over the years, he has received numerous national and international awards, including:
Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) and later Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON)
Africa Lifetime Achievement Prize
Gold Humanitarian Services Award (Republic of Niger)
Best Governor – Infrastructure Development (BEN Television, UK)
Honorary citizenships in U.S. states like Georgia and New Jersey.