By Nsikakabasi Akpan
Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, on Wednesday, April 30, paid a solidarity visit to Comfort 95.1 FM, Uyo, to encourage broadcaster Mighty George, who is in the midst of a daring attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest radio talk show.
Bassey, a seasoned sports journalist and administrator, joined the ongoing live broadcast to commend George’s resilience and determination.
“Congratulations George. I know that you will pull through this. I’ll be waiting for you to come out so we can celebrate,” Bassey said, offering moral support to the record hopeful.
Reflecting on his first month in office, the Commissioner admitted the transition has been demanding but expressed confidence in the path ahead. He used the moment to unveil his broad vision for inclusive sports development across Akwa Ibom State.
“We want to have a State Basketball team, a Volleyball team, and give attention to all sports,” he announced, emphasizing a shift beyond football-centric initiatives.
Backed by the commitment of Governor Umo Eno, Bassey revealed that grassroots development will be a cornerstone of his tenure. “Between now and November, every Sports Association must have a competition,” he declared.
He further disclosed plans to organize a State Sports Festival and expressed the administration’s intent to establish a functional Sports Academy by learning from existing models across Nigeria.
On Akwa Ibom’s approach to the upcoming National Sports Festival, the Commissioner emphasized development over glory. “I’m not in a hurry to win medals. I’m in a hurry to develop stars,” he affirmed.
Touching on Akwa United FC’s precarious position in the Nigeria Premier Football League, Bassey voiced optimism that the team could still avoid relegation with three games left in the season.
Meanwhile, Mighty George presses on with his ambitious 100-hour marathon broadcast, inching closer to setting a new world record and placing Akwa Ibom once again on the global map.
