By Solomon OKPO|Sports Recorder
In a strategic move to enhance future sports development and participation, the Akwa Ibom State Government has inaugurated a Fact-Finding Committee to review the state’s performance at the recently concluded maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival held in Uyo.
The inauguration ceremony, which took place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, was presided over by the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey. He charged the committee to diligently examine Akwa Ibom’s involvement in the festival and advise the Ministry on areas for improvement ahead of the proposed Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival.
Elder Bassey expressed gratitude to the committee members for accepting to serve, describing their role as pivotal to refining the state’s sporting blueprint. He urged the committee to receive memoranda and inputs from various stakeholders to guide their findings, and tasked them to submit their report within ten days.
While appreciating the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for enhancing sports infrastructure through the festival, the Commissioner also lauded Governor Umo Eno for providing a conducive environment for hosting the event.
The Fact-Finding Committee is chaired by Barrister Peter Ime Akpan, Legal Adviser to Akwa United FC. Other members include Comrade Amos Etuk, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council; Dr Promise Etim, a consultant to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL); and Mr John Ekpenyong, a seasoned grassroots sports developer. Mr James James will serve as the committee’s secretary.
In his remarks, Barr. Akpan thanked the Ministry for the confidence reposed in the committee. He described the task ahead as challenging but promised that the team, comprising professionals and technocrats, will deliver a comprehensive and timely report.
