FORTY is a unique number. The letters of the word are in alphabetical order. This is the only number that has this linguistic property in English. The wife of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Ekaete Unoma Godswill Akpabio has clocked the unique age of forty today, with all the uniqueness associated with the propriety of forty.

Precisely on June 9, 1971, gold was struck in the coal city of Enugu. The event was the birth of God’s gift to mankind; a queen of hope was born to the world through the family of late Godwin and Beatrice Nkemdilim Ejike of Ozom Aguobu-Owa, Ezeagu local government area, Enugu State. Her name is Unoma. Indeed, the gold was made for God’s will.

The happy parents of Unoma valued education, and did not waste time in enrolling her in school. From Zik Avenue Primary School, she proceeded to City Girls Secondary School, both in Enugu; and later Abia State University, Uturu where she earned a degree in Education and Accounting.

At school, she was taught all other subjects_ English Language, Mathematics, Agric Science, Health Science, etc. She did not need any teacher in Compassion Science, that one was inborn in her. Mrs Akpabio has lived a compassion-soaked life for forty years now.

Mrs. Ekaete Unoma Akpabio

Today, forty years has underscored the commitment of this devout Catholic, very devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary whose son, Jesus, fasted for forty days and forty nights. When He died and resurrected, the period between His resurrection and ascension was forty days. In remembrance of that, Christians often observe forty days Lenten period preceding Easter. A practice the unique lady has participated for forty years now.

Some call her Mother Teresa; others prefer Dorcas, Mkpouto or even Florence Nightingale. They have not got it correct; Ekaete Unoma Akpabio is simply Mother Compassion. Compassion personified! She shares this spirit of compassion with her darling husband, Godswill Akpabio, Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

Prior to her assumption of the role of the first lady of Akwa Ibom State, she was ‘Nicodemusly’ touching lives but since 2007, her works of kindness had been in the public glare, even though she abhors public show of her compassion enterprise like a plaque.

Mma Akpabio has lived a life that is as purposeful as it is impactful for these forty worthy years. A great mobilizer, Her Excellency has been at the forefront of women advocacy be it in political awareness or civic education. She came to end an era where women were silenced to the background. She heard their silence.

A wonderful mother, Mrs Akpabio is the progenitor of Uyai Iban Akwa Ibom, a potent force that has brought the women of Akwa Ibom together. A pillar of strength, Ekaete Unoma has been a strong support for the needy and other underprivileged in the society. She has paid plenty of hospital bills for indigent patients, most of whom she sponsored their medical trips abroad.

Multiple birth children, courtesy of the wife of the governor, have become a source of blessing to their parents. She is committed to providing financial support to enhance their daily upkeep. At forty, the lady is ready for more.

Even the oldies in the society are made to ‘live’ again. There have always been parties for them to relive those good old days. But the kids are more fortunate. Children’s party is part her playing the motherly role. There are also those behind bars for whom she has engaged legal experts to revisit their cases to give them justice, and possibly grant them freedom and reprieve.

The modesty shock; the lady at forty is made up of humility and simplicity. You can hardly know that she is married to a State governor except you are told. She does not fancy being unnecessarily crowded by over zealous security and personal aides. Whoever has a genuine reason to meet her, has direct access to the social solicitor.

The efficacious unique queen is tireless. The energy and passion she puts into work is infectious. One cannot work with her except the person is not lazy. She works round the clock to ensure that the voiceless are heard, serving the poorest of the poor. Like her husband, she is tall and practically walks fast, so runs her thought. When she moves, the step to the left breeds action, while the one to the right, speaks results. In all these, the great teacher’s love and care for her children is immeasurable, just as she remains a dependable guardian for others.

For her friend who doubles as the co_ordinator of her pet project, The Family Life Enhancement Initiative, FLEI and Uyai Iban Akwa Ibom, Mrs. Asuama Sydney, Ekaete Unoma is a “simple, kind_hearted and God-fearing woman whom God sent to come and complement His Excellency, the Governor.”

As this unique mother attains the flourishing age of forty, it is only a change in number. The blood of compassion flowing in her veins, if anything, will even be pulsating the more. Forty years on, the flame and steam of kindness lit in Coal city on June 9, 1971 has not dimmed. It is still aglow.

So, as glasses are being clicked, and tunes served, it is only worthy to learn a thing or two from the life of this woman of mercy, that it is what you give to the society that matters, and not really what you get from it. And that in life, donation is better than duration.

To this epitome of Godliness at forty, the world says, keep it up! If the culture of burning candles at birthdays still reigns, your own candle should burn from both ends; each for twenty. Twenty plus twenty is equals to forty. Congratulations on the occasion of your fortieth birthday celebrations, Her Excellency!

*Aniekan Umanah is a Media & Public Policy Strategist