By Solomon OKPO
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced a sweeping reorganization of the management committees of Akwa United Football Club and Ibom Angels Football Club, with Mr. Joseph Eno and Prince Ukeme Ukpong appointed as chairmen of the respective teams.
The Governor, while inaugurating the new committees, directed the immediate return of Akwa United to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), stressing that the club’s pedigree demands a place in the elite division. He assured that his administration would provide the necessary support to restore the Promise Keepers to top-flight football.
Mr. Joseph Eno, the new Akwa United chairman, is a graduate of Accounting from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. A retired procurement manager with Total Energies, he is widely recognized for his passion for football, having captained teams from primary school to corporate level, including the Total Companies in Nigeria, which he led to several local and international successes. Beyond the pitch, he serves as BOT member of Firm Minds Sporting All Stars International FC, Uyo, and runs CampeGee Hotel and Resort, Uyo.
He will be supported by Pastor Ini Edoho (Vice Chairman), Mr. Jimmy Joshua (General Manager), and Elder Omon Bassey (Club Secretary), alongside a robust team that includes Mr. Festus Akpan (Team Manager) and Mr. Mfon Patrick (Media Manager).
In the technical department, Akwa United has appointed Coach Paul Offor, former handler of Sporting Lagos, as Head Coach. Offor, who led Sporting Lagos to NPFL promotion in the 2023/24 season, has commenced preparations for the Promise Keepers’ campaign in the forthcoming 2025/26 Nigeria National League season. He will work with assistants including Tosin Adekugbe, Okechukwu Promise, Bassey Akpan, and former Akwa United striker, Akarandut Orok.
For Ibom Angels, Governor Eno named Prince Ukeme Ukpong as Chairman. Ukpong, a philanthropist and long-time promoter of female football in the state, is best known for his flagship Prince Ukeme Ukpong Unity Cup, which has nurtured grassroots talent for over a decade. A graduate of Business Administration, Ukpong is regarded as the state’s foremost supporter of women’s football.
Other appointees for Ibom Angels include Elder John Udo (Secretary), Mr. Cyril Orok (Assistant Secretary), Hon. Ndah Ndah (Team Coordinator), Coach Mary Udobia (Team Manager), Mr. Dennis Thadeus (Welfare Officer), Mr. Edidiong Stephen (Media Manager), Mr. Ini Akang (Assistant Media Manager), and Uduak Freddie (Camp Commandant).
Governor Eno expressed optimism that the new leadership of both clubs would usher in a fresh era of professionalism, competitiveness, and renewed fan support for Akwa Ibom’s flagship football teams.
