By Sports Recorder|Solomon OKPO
The Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, met with athletes from various sporting disciplines at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium hall, Uyo, where he announced key welfare improvements, payment approvals, and structural reforms aimed at strengthening sports development in Akwa Ibom State.
Addressing the athletes, Elder Bassey clarified the purpose of the newly introduced one-year bond forms issued to sportsmen and women. He explained that the consent bond serves as a formal agreement confirming each athlete’s readiness to represent the state, while also helping the Ministry maintain accurate data on those receiving monthly stipends from the government.
The Commissioner expressed gratitude to Governor Umo Eno, PhD, for approving the release of cash incentives to athletes who excelled at the recently concluded National Sports Festival and the National Youth Games. Describing the Governor as “sports-friendly,” he noted that the administration remains committed to encouraging excellence in line with the Arise Agenda. He added that the gesture marks “a new beginning,” assuring athletes that anyone who brings honour to Akwa Ibom at national or international events will be duly rewarded.
Looking ahead, he revealed that the next Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival will prioritize the discovery of fresh talent across all localities in the state.
Elder Bassey further appealed to the athletes for patience as the new administration continues to strengthen welfare measures. He reaffirmed that the government is actively repositioning the sports sector for improved performance and broader opportunities.
As part of ongoing infrastructure upgrades, the Commissioner announced that the Ministry has opened discussions with Julius Berger Construction Company to establish a gym facility at the stadium to enhance training and conditioning. He also disclosed that the state had already procured new sports equipment, with further acquisitions underway to support the needs of various sporting associations.
During the interactive session, athletes including Immaculate Ufot (Judo), Enku Ekuta (Judo), Emmanuel Udo (Para Athletics), and Serah Ekere (Cricket), expressed appreciation for the Commissioner’s openness and fatherly approach. They commended the recent purchase of sporting equipment, while highlighting issues affecting their respective sports which they hoped the Ministry would address.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Director of Sports, Mrs. Bridgid Otton, lauded the athletes for attending despite the short notice and praised their dedication. She thanked Governor Umo Eno for his continued support to the Ministry, especially for approving funds for the procurement of equipment across multiple sports.
Mrs. Otton also applauded Elder Bassey’s proactive leadership, alongside the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Rosemary Ubia, and management staff for their collective efforts in advancing the Ministry’s mandate. She described the consent bond form as an essential tool for building a comprehensive and reliable database for sports development in the state.
She concluded by congratulating the athletes on their achievements and encouraged them to strive for greater success, wishing all participants safe trips back to their destinations.
