By Sports Recorder
UYO, In a strategic move aimed at revitalizing grassroots sports and upgrading key sporting infrastructure, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, on Wednesday led an on-the-spot assessment of major sports facilities across the state.
The inspection tour, conducted in line with the directive of Governor Umo Eno, saw the Commissioner accompanied by top officials of the Ministry of Sports, including the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Rosemary Ubia, and directors from various departments. The team was guided by Mr. Victor Owokure, Director of Facilities.
Speaking during the tour, Elder Bassey emphasized that the exercise was a key step toward fulfilling the Governor’s mandate to inventory, rehabilitate, and optimize the use of sports facilities for long-term development. “We are here on a mission to evaluate and report the true state of our facilities so we can chart a sustainable path forward for sports development in Akwa Ibom,” he said.
The delegation visited several key venues, including the Ikot Ekpene Stadium, West Itam Sports Centre, Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo Township Stadium, and the Olympic-size swimming pool. The visits included direct interaction with athletes and facility managers, offering firsthand insight into their daily training and the condition of the venues.
Elder Bassey expressed satisfaction at the level of activity observed, particularly among athletes training in table tennis, para-weightlifting, swimming, judo, and weightlifting. “It is impressive to see our athletes committed to their routines. Sports development should not be seasonal, we must always be prepared,” he said.
At the Uyo Township Stadium, the Commissioner issued an immediate directive for the provision of appropriate training kits to judo athletes, some of whom were seen practicing without the proper gear. He reiterated that the welfare of athletes remains a top priority for the Ministry.
The team also visited the camp of the Ibom Angels Football Club, where Elder Bassey met with the stadium manager, Mr. John Udo, and addressed concerns raised by the staff and players. He assured them of the Ministry’s readiness to act promptly as part of ongoing reforms.
Of particular note was the inspection of the swimming pool at the Uyo Township Stadium. Elder Bassey revealed that Governor Umo Eno had shown special interest in restoring the facility to full functionality, including the engagement of qualified coaches and lifeguards. “His Excellency is passionate about making this pool operational again for the benefit of our athletes,” he stated.
The Commissioner confirmed that Wednesday’s inspection was the first in a series that would cover other facilities, including those in Eket and other zones. A comprehensive report is expected to be submitted to the Governor upon completion of the assessment.
Accompanying the Commissioner were Mrs. Brigid Otton (Director of Sports), Mrs. Iniobong Udo (Director of Administration), Mrs. Catherine Ekuta (Director of Coaching), Mrs. Peace Dan (Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics), Mrs. Margaret Ekpo (Director of Organizing), and Mr. Gabriel Okon, Technical Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).
Elder Bassey reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to building a strong sports culture rooted in proper infrastructure, athlete development, and strategic planning. “This marks the beginning of a continuous effort to reposition sports in Akwa Ibom for excellence, sustainability, and global competitiveness,” he concluded.
