By Solomon OKPO
Nta Isip Football Club on Sunday emerged champions of the Ikot Ibiok Football Tournament, as the Akwa Ibom State Government reaffirmed its commitment to grassroots sports development under the ARISE Agenda of Governor Pastor Umo Eno.
The Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Mkpisong Frank Archibong, described the tournament as a clear testament to the Governor’s deliberate investment in youth-focused sports programmes across the state. He spoke at the grand finale held at St. Paul’s Primary School Field, Ikot Ibiok, Eket Local Government Area.
Archibong, who led a high-powered delegation to the event, commended Governor Umo Eno for creating sustainable platforms that promote talent discovery and youth engagement through sports. According to him, the ARISE Agenda has repositioned grassroots sports as a strategic tool for youth development, unity, and social inclusion.
“Governor Pastor Umo Eno has remained intentional about discovering and grooming young talents through sports. With the establishment of the Sports Academy in Eket, new opportunities are being opened for youths, not only in Eket but across Akwa Ibom State,” Archibong stated.
He further praised the appointment of Elder Paul Bassey as Commissioner for Sports, describing it as a strategic decision that has yielded visible results. Archibong noted that Elder Bassey’s experience and passion for sports administration have translated the Governor’s vision into concrete outcomes at the grassroots level.
The grand finale attracted top government functionaries, including the Executive Chairman of Eket Local Government Council, Hon. Mkpisong Akan Tommey, the Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey; Member representing Eket State Constituency, Dr. Nsidibe Akata; Member representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency, Hon. Barr. Otobong Bob; APC Chapter Chairman in Eket LGA, Mr. Akwaukutiso Akanimo; and the State Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Ibanga Brownson.
In their separate remarks, Hon. Akan Tommey, Dr. Akata, Barr. Bob, and Elder Bassey applauded the organizers and participating teams for a well-coordinated tournament, urging communities to sustain the values of unity, discipline, and sportsmanship promoted by the competition.
Nta Isip capped their impressive campaign with individual honours, as Anitie Bassey finished as the tournament’s Highest Goal Scorer, while teammate Sunday Emmanuel was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP). Nsika Matthew of Idung Akwa claimed the Best Goalkeeper award.
The final match between Nta Isip and Idung Akwa was officially kicked off by Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey. The event also featured a boxing exhibition by Eket Boxers, adding colour and excitement to a tournament widely hailed as a major boost for grassroots sports development in the state.
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