The invitation for a State visit to the United Kingdom extended by the head of its monarchy, King Charles 111, and the wife, Queen Camilla, to the President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his spouse, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, had all the trappings of splendour, royalty, influence, and global attention. Of course political gladiators and managers of our nation’s public policy were there in their numbers to support the First Family as expected in such high profile State Visit. The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, who shares the same political persuasion with Mr. President and remains one of his most ardent supporters, was also there amongst others.
The UK State Visit by President Tinubu was a huge success just as other episodes, having had similar visits in 1973 by the then Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, 1981 by the then President Shehu Shagari, 1989 by the then Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, and now the 2026 episode by President Tinubu, which just happened.
The 2026 State Visit of Mr. President recorded many poignant and significant incidents/moments. One of the incidents that caught my attention was when Senator Akpabio riding with a few others in that symbolic carte into Windsor Castle and a voice ringing out of that privileged crowd: “See Akpabio, see Akpabio,” and those around the voice cheered jubilantly and jiggled with excitement: “We love you, we love you,”, they intoned in unison. And the number three Nigerian citizen, sitting at a visibly vantage position in the coach of the carte and in his characteristic cordiality smiled broadly and waved warmly at them.
There are many inferences I have drawn from that poignant moment and which bear recounting for the purpose of inspiring those who are going through privations that may verge them to despair. The story of Akpabio’s life conveys instructive messages of spiritual and cultural significance.
Expanding the discourse, the event at Windsor Castle served as a reinforcement of the fact that God is a covenant Keeping God.
At the level of cultural intersection, it is on record that Okuku Udo Akpabio, a first class Annang traditional ruler who reigned in the late 19th century, had a relationship with the British Administration that colonised Nigeria. The colonial government appointed him as a Warrant Chief and the Queen was to later honour him with a symbol of authority, which is still in the custody of the Great Akpabio Family. As a great-grandson, being recognised and serenaded with honour at that historic event was akin to history treading a familiar path and confirming him as the legitimate scion of that heritage.
Despite being a bud of that revered royalty, Akpabio suffered privations because of the loss of his father, which happened within six months of his birth. Stuck in the middle of hopelessness but buoyed by the mother’s perseverance and his resilience and implicit faith in God, he navigated the labyrinth of hardship and rose from the ashes of despair to a pinnacle of life where he could be recognised at an event organised by one of the most influential monarchies of the world. Nothing can be more inspiring than that.
It is interesting that either by design or default, Nigeria has morphed into a state that the son of a nobody could become somebody without knowing anybody. Akpabio, with a robust record of selfless service, has distinguished himself and earned accolades that transcend the shores of his State, the Nation, and now the global space. Those who shouted, “see Akpabio” may not be his kinsmen of Ukana. At least their accents did not portray that. They were apparently people who live in climes that understand the true meaning of leadership and who use verifiable evidence to assess the activities of leaders before forming opinions about them. So when they saw the man whom they have formed strong positive opinions about, their ecstasy knew no bounds.
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Another intriguing question one may ask is, how did this man who lost his father at six months and was thrown into privation rise to such global reckoning?. The answer is in the will of God, which all mankind have shared commonality. Keep your covenant with Him and He shall keep His own with you. Senator Akpabio sees the hand of God in all his accomplishments, dedicates all successes to Him, and worships Him with all his heart. He expresses his reverence for God through compassion to people, love to humanity, commitment to service, and maintains an uncommon approach in forgiveness. God is keeping His covenant with him.
Senator Akpabio belongs to the hue of leaders who command followership anywhere they go. Crowds respond to them spontaneously. They are possessed with innate potentials which endear people to them, making their personalities both electrifying and charismatic. Oratorical skill and good nature may be corollaries but there is always something divine and spectacular about them.
History was made in the UK with that State Visit by President Tinubu and wife. Our once fading pride as a Nation shored up again culminating in the two sovereign nations putting pen to paper in bilateral agreements. Nigerian citizens who are proud of this restoration expect a follow up on the agreements. As an Akwa Ibom son, I am happy that Akpabio was part of that entourage making Akwa Ibom to be represented on that universal table of brotherhood.
. Iniodu is a public affairs analyst.
