Chairmen of Sports Associations in Akwa Ibom State have commended Governor Umo Eno for his massive investment in grassroots sports development, pledging to complement the initiative by sustaining the legacy outlined in the ARISE Agenda blueprint of his administration.
The commendation was given during an interactive meeting with the Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, held at the Conference Hall of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
Speaking during the session, the Chairman of the State Boxing Association, Mr. Daniel Udoh, applauded the Governor’s decision to create a stand-alone Ministry of Sports, describing it as a strategic step toward repositioning sports development in the state.
“Beyond creating a dedicated Ministry of Sports, we sincerely thank His Excellency for appointing one of us,a seasoned and well-grounded sports administrator as the pioneer commissioner,” Udoh said.
In his remarks, the Accountant General of the State and Chairman of the Squash Association, Pastor Uwem Andrew Essien, appreciated the Commissioner for convening what he described as a “very important and innovative meeting.” He also commended the successful organisation of the recently concluded Akwa Ibom Sports Festival, advocating early preparation and the establishment of a permanent sports calendar to aid effective planning by associations, a view supported by his vice, Engineer Iniobong Esuene.
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The Chief Medical Director of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) and Chairman of the Cricket Association, Prof. EmemAbasi Bassey, highlighted the progress cricket has made in the state and called on the government to deepen its support for the sport, particularly at the school and college levels.
Similarly, Dr. Iniobong Essien, Chairman of the Scrabble Association; Mr. Samuel Umoh, Chairman of the State Football Association; and Mr. Samuel Ekpenyong, Chairman of the Golf Association, expressed optimism that the future of sports in Akwa Ibom is bright, given the government’s visible commitment.
Making a presentation on infrastructure needs, Pharmacist Godswill Eseigbe of the Basketball Federation appealed for the construction of an indoor sports hall as a matter of priority.
On her part, Obonganwan Joyce Udoh, Vice Chairman of the Judo Federation, speaking on behalf of the Chairman, Engineer Bunmi Johnson, disclosed that the association has formally requested land from the government to build a dedicated judo facility in the state.
Responding, Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, described the engagement as a pioneer meeting aimed at repositioning the state’s sporting architecture and establishing a unified roadmap for strengthening sports administration across all associations.
According to him, the meeting was “necessary, timely and expedient” in driving the renewed vision of the Eno-led administration for sports development.
Elder Bassey highlighted key achievements of Governor Eno to include the establishment of a state-of-the-art Sports Academy currently under construction, the successful hosting of the Akwa Ibom Sports Festival, the Judiciary Games, and the hosting of the maiden Niger Delta Games.
He also announced the ongoing procurement of new sports equipment and the construction of a modern gymnasium at the Nest of Champions, Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. Additionally, he revealed that the state now operates a functional athletes’ database to support national and international representation.
With these milestones, the Commissioner expressed confidence that Akwa Ibom State would soon compete more favourably with other states at national sporting events, adding that the Ministry of Sports will undergo further restructuring to ensure efficiency and a more development-driven approach.
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