Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON

Introduction

Godswill Akpabio is the President of the Nigerian Senate and chairman of the National Assembly — the country's third-ranking public official. He has held office continuously across state and federal government for more than two decades: two terms as governor of Akwa Ibom State, a place in the Senate leadership, and a federal ministry. He has also built a record in football infrastructure, which is why the Motherland Heritage Cup counts him among its patrons.

Early life and education

He was born on 9 December 1962 in Ukana, Ikot Ntuen, in Essien Udim Local Government Area of what is now Akwa Ibom State. He lost his father at an early age and was raised by his mother. He attended Methodist Primary School, Ukana, then the Federal Government College, Port Harcourt, and earned his law degree at the University of Calabar.

Career before politics

He worked as a teacher and as a lawyer before moving into telecoms, rising to Managing Director and CEO of EMIS Telecoms Limited by 2002.

Public service

2002–2006: Commissioner in the Akwa Ibom State government under Governor Victor Attah, serving across three ministries: Petroleum and Natural Resources; Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; and Lands and Housing.

2007–2015: Governor of Akwa Ibom State. He won the 2006 PDP primary against 57 other aspirants on the slogan "Let God's Will Be Done", was elected in 2007 and re-elected in 2011. In 2013 he was elected chairman of the PDP Governors' Forum.

2015–2018: Senator for Akwa Ibom North-West and Senate Minority Leader from July 2015, resigning in August 2018 to join the All Progressives Congress.

2019–2022: Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, sworn in on 21 August 2019. He resigned on 11 May 2022 to contest the APC presidential primary, then stepped down for Bola Tinubu at the primary in June 2022.

2023–present: Returned to the Senate as Senator for Akwa Ibom North-West. On 13 June 2023 he was elected President of the 10th Senate with 63 votes against Abdulaziz Yari's 46.

Sport and infrastructure

As governor, he oversaw the construction of the 30,000-seat stadium in Uyo, commissioned on 7 November 2014. His successor renamed it the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in his honour. It is a home venue for the Super Eagles and one of only two Nigerian stadiums approved by CAF for the 2025/26 season — alongside the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

Honours

Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), announced by President Tinubu on 1 October 2024. He had earlier received the Commander (CON) grade during his time as governor.

Role with the Motherland Heritage Cup

Senator Akpabio has endorsed the Motherland Heritage Cup as Patron, lending the tournament the backing of one of Nigeria's most senior public officials. His record of investing in world-class sports infrastructure and championing public service aligns squarely with the tournament's celebration of African heritage and diaspora identity.