By Solomon OKPO
Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, made an unscheduled visit to the opening ceremony of the South-South Squash Tournament, urging participating athletes to seize the competition as a platform for excellence and future international exploits.
The three-day tournament, hosted at the Jacob Esuene Squash Club within the Villa Marina Hotel, Eket, features young talents from across the South-South region and is scheduled to conclude on Friday, January 9, 2026.
Addressing athletes and officials shortly after his arrival, Elder Bassey commended the organisers for sustaining the growth of squash in the region and specifically lauded the Director of the Jacob Esuene Squash Club and Vice Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Squash Association, Engr. Iniobong Jacob Esuene, for his personal financial commitment to the championship.
The Commissioner charged the athletes to compete with discipline and purpose, reminding them that the tournament could serve as a springboard to greater opportunities.
“I am impressed by what I see here today, and I want to encourage all of you to take this opportunity seriously. Last year, one of you went abroad and returned with a gold medal. Those of you playing today have that same potential if you remain focused,” he said.
He further stressed that the investment behind the tournament was driven by passion rather than surplus resources, assuring stakeholders of the Ministry’s backing for credible grassroots initiatives.
“The Director has invested heavily in this event not because he has excess funds, but because of his love for squash. If you excel in this game, it can take you to places you never imagined. The Ministry of Sports will support such initiatives. My visit today was a surprise, but I intend to return for the finals,” Bassey added.
Earlier, Engr. Iniobong Jacob Esuene, while declaring the tournament open, welcomed participants to Eket and assured them of their safety and comfort, describing Akwa Ibom State as peaceful and hospitable.
He urged athletes to uphold sportsmanship throughout the competition, advising them to respect officials and focus on fair play. “In our eyes, you are all winners and champions. Once you step onto the court, play your best and uphold the spirit of the game,” he said.
The opening day of the tournament witnessed keenly contested matches in the Under-13 and Under-17 categories, as players battled through the first and second rounds to secure places in the quarterfinals, setting the tone for an intense championship ahead.
