The Global Peace Movement Group in United Kingdom has conferred Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom with the International Financial Prudence Award.

Conferring the award on the Governor, the President of the Group in United Kingdom, Mr. Mike Oye, said the group conducted investigation in 24 countries and discovered that Governor Akpabio has always kept a clean financial slate and has no foreign account in UK or any other country abroad as often speculated by some local tabloids.

Oye who announced the award during a dinner night that marked the end of the 26th anniversary celebrations of the state creation at Le’meridien Hotel and Golf Resort, Nwaniba, said the group was impressed with his development strides and leadership qualities.

He further announced the conferment of the International Peace Award, and International Peace Award for development on the governor.

Chief Akpabio who received the awards dedicated them to Akwa Ibom people and the peace award to security chiefs, thanking them for keeping the state safe and believing that the award would challenge other leaders to do more for their states.

On the 26th anniversary celebrations, Governor Akpabio enjoined all Akwa Ibom people to always be grateful to God, for keeping the state safe and blessing the state with rapid development, that has made the state a reference point in the country.

He re-emphasised that the dinner was to welcome everyone who has the state government at heart and to celebrate the state at 26, enjoining Akwa Ibom people to love one another and to maintain the peace of the state.

Highlight of the event was a toast proposed by former military governor of the state, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga, who toasted for the continuous growth of the state, saying that the state at 26 has achieved more, compared to other states and stressed that there was a great hope for a greater future for the state.

Other highlights of the events were, the cutting of the 26th anniversary cake, cultural display, cultural recitation and comedy.

•Photo shows Akpabio receiving an award.