Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has shared an inspiring story about how a random encounter with a young man during a flight years ago turned into a life-changing moment of generosity.
Speaking at a recent event shared by @AsakyGRN on X, Akpabio narrated that while he was serving as a governor and frequently flying on commercial aircraft, he met a young man who had always wanted to see him.
According to him, the man finally got his chance when he was assigned as part of the flight crew during one of his trips.
In his words, he said:
“At about 35,000 feet, he came dressed in his uniform and said to me, ‘Your Excellency, if this plane should crash now, some of us will die as rich men, and some of us will die as poor men.’
I asked him, ‘How do you want to die, as a rich man or a poor man?’ He said, ‘I’d like to die as a rich man.’”
Akpabio said the young man later told him he had gained admission into an aviation school in the United States but couldn’t afford the fees.
“When we landed, I told him to leave the aircraft and follow me,” Akpabio said. “According to him, the first money I gave him was about $85,000. Later, he brought two of his friends, and I did the same for them. Their lives changed completely.”
The Senate President added that the young man, who is now doing well and has a family, recently shared the story in an interview with media personality Daddy Freeze.
Akpabio said someone brought the clip to his attention.
“If he’s listening tonight,” he added, “tell him I want to see him so I can pay him back some of the money.”
The story has sparked reactions online, with many Nigerians praising Akpabio for his unexpected act of kindness.
Watch video below…
Senate President Godswill Akpabio recounted how he assisted a young man and his friends by giving them $85,000 and helping them to travel to the United States to study aeronautics and aviation. pic.twitter.com/jHcoQ6tT7m
— 𝐀𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐲𝐆𝐑𝐍 (@AsakyGRN) October 11, 2025