By Solomon OKPO
Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul “Sports” Bassey, says Governor Umo Eno’s administration is laying a strategic foundation to make the state a sports powerhouse through grassroots engagement, talent discovery, and infrastructure development.
In an exclusive interview with The publisher of Sports Recorder newspaper, Elder Bassey explained that the decision to separate Sports from Youth Development two years ago was a masterstroke by Governor Eno, giving both sectors sharper focus.
“Governor Umo Eno came prepared for governance,” Bassey said. “The separation allowed Youth Development to concentrate on entrepreneurship and leadership, while Sports could focus on performance, facilities, and talent grooming. It’s a win-win.”
The Commissioner highlighted the proposed Sports Academy in Eket as the centrepiece of the state’s roadmap. Unlike many football-only academies, the facility will be multi-sport, accommodating disciplines from athletics to swimming, taekwondo, boxing, and more.
“The Eket Sports Academy will be a game-changer,” he affirmed.
Bassey stressed that the Academy, alongside facilities like Arise Park—which boasts basketball and tennis courts, as well as a golf resort—demonstrates Governor Eno’s commitment to holistic sports development.
Reflecting on Akwa Ibom’s hosting of the Niger Delta Sports Festival, Bassey noted that while the state did not win overall, it gained significant legacy benefits.
“The festival brought facility upgrades to basketball, volleyball, handball courts, and even improved our swimming pool infrastructure. We also got a renewed push for an indoor sports hall and a multi-sport academy,” he said.
For Bassey, the future lies in nurturing potential rather than chasing short-term medals.
“We’re not just chasing medals, we’re chasing potential. A 12-year-old running 100m in 12 seconds could be a champion with proper coaching. That’s why we track talents and place them under experienced coaches.”
The state has recently recruited swimming coaches and is strengthening mentorship through visits from international stars like Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong and Olympian Idara Otu, who both engaged directly with schoolchildren during their visits.
“These visits inspire our kids,” Bassey noted. “And the governor backs it up by approving funds for new equipment and training programmes.”
The Commissioner confirmed that the ₦20 million prize awarded to winners of the Governor’s Cup is part of a broader plan to institutionalize annual rewards across all sports. Incentives such as scholarships, grants, and equipment support will cut across athletics, taekwondo, swimming, and other disciplines.
Recognizing financial constraints, Bassey said the ministry is actively engaging corporate sponsors such as Ibom Air and Zenith Bank to support equipment procurement, coaching, and competitions.
He reiterated that sports development in Akwa Ibom will remain inclusive, with para-athletes and rural talents integrated into all programmes.
“Our para-athletes have represented Nigeria proudly, and they will always be part of the plan,” he emphasized.
Bassey also revealed that efforts are underway to structure over 30 local sports academies in the state and align them with professional leagues for talent hunts, clinics, and training.
Summing up, the Commissioner said Akwa Ibom’s long-term success in sports depends on three things: structure, infrastructure, and funding.
“Success in sports starts with structure, infrastructure, and funding. With the governor’s support and private sector partnerships, we are building a system that will outlive us and produce champions for years to come.”
