CEO Akpanke Foundation, Mr. Peter Akpanke in view.

Mr. Peter Akpanke

Globally, celebrated leaders are not rememberd because of the number of structures or edifices that they have constructed. History remembered them those who impacted on humanity based on issues that are of global interest. These people; Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, Kweme Nkrumah, Joseph Wayas and so on, became reference points in history because of the enduring, mostly intangible legacies they left behind for us today.

Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello and Joseph Wayas might have constructed and established institutions, built houses and constructed roads. But many years down the line, these infrastructures are either dilapidated, abandoned, partially or completely nonexistent. Yet, they remain reference points to this generation and beyond because they knew that the only way to invest in the future was to give the people qualitative and and functional education. After all, scholars have long established a correlation between education and sustainable development.

In the West where Awolowo was leader, education has remained the most sought after commodity, and the region remains unarguably, the centre and citadel of academic excellence. It also naturally explains the region's considerable growth and development ahead of others. Sir Ahmadu Bello also educated his people. As we are aware, he did not only encourage and paid people to go to school, but he paid them to remain in school. Today, some of the region's best are the beneficiaries of the vision and intangible contribution of this great leader to humanity.
So, what's coincidence when Mr Peter Akpanke won the title of the 'Peoples General' and a philanthropic leader, a similar title held by the late Ahmadu Bello? That's his folks.
The niche which Peter Akpanke carved for himself has undoubtedly brought so many honours and recognitions such that the revered traditional institutions and monarchies are virtually unanimous that they have found another great leader.
Those who equates Peter Akpanke to Ahmadu Bello, based their comparisons on the very significant transformation he has brought to the region and remarkable improvement on its socioeconomic status. Peter schematically rebranded the social and political status of the zone and everyone's talking Obanliku; reason I'm left with no option but to ready to name my unborn child, Obanliku. For many years, he has doggedly remained an unseen leader to the people of Obudu, Obanliku and by extension, the nation at large. His works are evident here in the FCT. Very pious and demystified leader with a firm belief in sanctity of the state, through remarkable interventions in education, healthcare services and manpower development.
While some of these interventions are tangible and could be seen, felt and touched, most are intangible, unrecognised and unappreciated by people now but which, in many years to come - would suffice and also become a reference point for posterity.
I don't know how you look at it, no matter the direction you look at it, and by every measure of assessment, Peter Akpanke's quintessential achievements are beyond expectations. He will be rightly celebrated in many years to come for his intangible interventions.

Greg Abuon Erriom.
(Armchair observer)
FCT