Sports Recorder
By Solomon OKPO
As preparations intensify for the maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival in April, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, has reaffirmed the state’s readiness to host the competition after inspecting key sporting facilities.
During the tour, Elder Bassey assessed various venues, including the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC), Ikot Ada Idem, where he was received by the Chairman of the Governing Council, Chief Churchill Udoh, and the Rector, Professor Enoidem Usoroh. Facilities inspected included the football field, tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts, a medical centre, male and female hostels, an indoor sports hall, and an auditorium.
With over 3,000 athletes expected from the nine Niger Delta states, the Commissioner expressed satisfaction with the quality of the facilities and their capacity to accommodate up to 1,000 athletes. He commended Governor Umo Eno for approving the festival, emphasizing that it would highlight the state’s commitment to sports development and infrastructural investment.
At the West Itam Sports Centre, Elder Bassey inspected the ongoing rehabilitation of handball, basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts. Facility manager Victor Owokere briefed him on the renovations and raised concerns about vandalism, urging improved security measures to protect the facilities.
Condemning the destruction of public infrastructure, the Commissioner announced plans to establish a Stadium Management Committee to oversee the proper maintenance and security of government-owned sports facilities. He also assured that the rehabilitated West Itam Sports Centre would be properly managed beyond the festival, which is scheduled to take place from April 1 to 9.
The inspection team included all Directors from the Ministry of Sports, led by the Director of Sports, Mrs. Brigitte Oton.
