By Solomon Okpo
The Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Sports has commenced a statewide audit of all sports infrastructure, in line with Governor Umo Eno’s directive at a recent State Executive Council meeting in Uyo.
The initiative, according to the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, is designed to enhance safety, ensure proper maintenance, and determine the viability of facilities for upgrades or replacement. He stressed that the move is critical to sustaining the state’s enviable reputation as Nigeria’s sports tourism hub.
Among the facilities under review are the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo Township Stadium, Eket Stadium, Olympic-size swimming pool, Arise Park sports facilities, Dakkada Skills Acquisition Center facilities, Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium, West Itam Sports Center, and several sports academies across the state.
Bassey highlighted that Akwa Ibom remains the only Nigerian state with a stadium certified by both CAF and FIFA to host international football matches a feat he attributed to the state’s strong maintenance culture. He noted that the Eno administration is determined to extend this culture under the Arise Agenda.
“Akwa Ibom has been Nigeria’s sports tourism center for some years, and His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, is determined to sustain this status.
The comprehensive sports assets inventory is a step towards repositioning, ensuring proper maintenance, and marketing our state as a sports tourism destination,” the commissioner said.
The exercise follows the Governor’s query at the recent Eket Town Hall meeting regarding the functional state of the Eket Stadium, where he directed the commissioner to report back to the Executive Council.
The audit is expected to serve as a blueprint for future sports development and strengthen the state’s readiness to host both local and international sporting events.
Sponsored
