By Solomon OKPO
Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, has credited the renewed momentum and rising national profile of sports in the state to the visionary and sports-friendly leadership of Governor Umo Eno, following the creation of a stand-alone Ministry of Sports.
Speaking on ARISE UPDATE, the flagship television programme of the Ministry of Information aired on AKBC, the Commissioner described the Governor’s decision as strategic and timely, noting that it has delivered a focused institutional framework for structured and sustainable sports development across the state.
Bassey explained that Governor Eno’s sports philosophy is anchored on inclusion and opportunity, recognising that not all young people will find fulfilment in conventional professional careers.
According to him, this understanding has driven a deliberate emphasis on grassroots sports as a tool for early talent identification, development and empowerment.
He said the policy direction has translated into concrete actions, including the revival of inter-house sports competitions in public schools, aimed at discovering and grooming young talents from an early age.
The Commissioner noted that the initiatives are already yielding measurable results. He cited the successful hosting of the 2025 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival, the first in over a decade as a major milestone, alongside the hosting of the NDDC Games and the state’s participation in the National Youth Games, where Team Akwa Ibom finished sixth overall.
Bassey further disclosed that the Ministry has enjoyed strong government backing, with critical interventions such as the construction of a modern gymnasium at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium for indoor sports, funding for the acquisition of sports equipment, and sustained motivation of athletes through incentives and cash awards. He added that work is currently ongoing on the fencing project at the Sports Academy in Eket.
According to him, the Ministry’s priority is to ensure that athletes are meaningfully engaged, supported to build sustainable livelihoods through sports, and encouraged to contribute positively to society, while projecting Akwa Ibom on the national and global stage through excellence.
On challenges, the Commissioner acknowledged that the Ministry experienced a difficult take-off, particularly in securing operational spaces and essential furniture. He also identified the shortage of permanent coaching staff as a key concern, which necessitated the engagement of ad-hoc coaches, stressing the need for continuous training to enhance athlete performance.
He called on athletes, sports enthusiasts, stakeholders and well-meaning citizens to support the Ministry’s programmes, urging collective commitment to consolidating the foundation laid by Governor Umo Eno for enduring sports development in Akwa Ibom State.
Sports Recorder
