Sports Recorder |Solomon OKPO
In a decisive move aimed at rejuvenating football development in Akwa Ibom State, the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, has announced the immediate dissolution of the management teams of all four state-owned football clubs.
The announcement, made at a stakeholders’ meeting in Uyo, comes on the heels of the conclusion of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Football League season, a campaign widely regarded as underwhelming for the state’s clubs.
The affected clubs include Akwa United FC, Dakkada FC, Ibom Angels FC, and Ibom Youth FC, all of which are funded by the Akwa Ibom State Government. The move, according to Elder Bassey, is in line with Governor Umo Eno’s Arise Agenda, a policy thrust committed to restructuring and revitalizing key sectors, including sports.
Elder Bassey directed that the chairmen and secretaries of the affected clubs should submit their handover notes to the Ministry of Youth and Sports within two weeks, signalling the end of the current administrative tenures.
“This step is not punitive but progressive,” the Commissioner stated. “We appreciate the efforts of the outgoing officials, but it is time for a new direction that aligns with our aspirations under the Arise Agenda. A fresh management structure will be unveiled soon to prepare the clubs for the upcoming season.”
The announcement was met with support from key stakeholders in the football community. Mr. Samuel Umoh, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association, noted that the just-concluded season fell short of expectations and commended the Commissioner’s bold intervention.
Similarly, leaders and coaches representing the four clubs, Elder Omon Bassey (Akwa United), Coach Aniedi Dickson (Dakkada), Coach Edwin Okon (Ibom Angels), and Coach Lawrence Iquaibom (Ibom Youth), all expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and pledged continued support to the state’s sports development efforts.
The dissolution sets the stage for what could be a transformative era in Akwa Ibom football, as the state seeks to restore competitive edge, professionalism, and accountability to its flagship teams.
