President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology in Obio Akpa, Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Akpabio also praised Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, for releasing the Obio Akpa campus of the Akwa Ibom State University to facilitate the commencement of academic activities at the new federal institution.

The Senate President spoke on Friday at the funeral service held in honour of the late former Majority Leader of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. (Elder) Imo Akpan Ibokette, in Abak Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, Akpabio expressed optimism that the university would admit its pioneer students soon.

“I look forward to the admission of the first batch of students into the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology in this Senatorial District.

“Let me thank President Bola Tinubu for signing the bill which established the university. Let me also thank our dear Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for releasing a campus of the Akwa Ibom State University for the commencement of academic activities this year,” he said.

Akpabio recalled that the late Ibokette was among the first people to contact him and express appreciation following the passage of the bill establishing the university.

Describing the deceased as a personal friend and a man with whom his family shared a longstanding relationship, Akpabio said Ibokette’s death was a personal loss.

“Late Ibokette, whom we are laying to rest today, was the first to call and thank me on hearing of the passage of the bill establishing the university. His death is a personal loss to me.

“The Ibokette family and I share an intimate affinity that spans decades. Even the weight of political differences did not attenuate the relationship we shared. So, I personally mourn his demise,” he said.

The funeral service, held at the Abak International Nursery/Primary School, was conducted by the Apostolic Church Nigeria.

Akpabio described the late lawmaker as a patriot, selfless leader, loving father and hardworking personality who overcame several challenges to make meaningful contributions to his community and the state.

He said Ibokette lived to witness the transformation he had worked and fought for, adding that the deceased “did his best” before his passing.