By Solomon OKPO
The peaceful disposition of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, and his deliberate commitment to sports development have earned commendation from the Chairman, Board of Trustees of Tower of Ivory International Schools, DIG Prince Ekpo Udom (Rtd.).
DIG Udom gave the commendation on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, during the official opening and commissioning of the Games Village at Tower of Ivory International Academy, Uyo.
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, reaffirmed the readiness of the Akwa Ibom State Government to partner with individuals and institutions that invest in sports development through the provision of standard infrastructure. He explained that such partnerships align with the administration’s strategy to empower young people and grow sports tourism in the state.
Elder Bassey, who attended the ceremony following an invitation by DIG Udom after a courtesy visit to his office, noted that Governor Umo Eno places a high premium on private sector participation in sports development. He disclosed that sports facilities at the Ediene Abak and Uyo campuses of Tower of Ivory International Schools were utilised during the Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival, commending the institution for its consistent support to the state’s sports agenda.
“We particularly thank DIG Prince Ekpo Udom for his efforts in promoting sports development in the state. Most schools do not have recreational and sports facilities for students, but he has provided these at Ediene Abak and is now here again in Uyo.
We used most of these facilities during the State Sports Festival, and this is quite commendable, as the Governor wants to see more initiatives of this nature,” the Commissioner said.
He added that the present administration is intentional about creating platforms that meaningfully engage young people, stressing that sports participation keeps them off the streets while helping them discover and nurture their talents.
According to him, not all youths will pursue conventional professional careers, noting that many are naturally gifted in sports and can earn sustainable livelihoods if adequately supported, hence the government’s resolve to make the sports industry viable.
Earlier in his remarks, DIG Prince Ekpo Udom (Rtd.) expressed delight over the completion of the Games Village, describing it as a milestone in the school’s commitment to holistic education. He commended Governor Umo Eno for enhancing security across the state, which he said has guaranteed a peaceful learning environment for students, and praised the Governor’s intentional approach to sports development, particularly the appointment of Elder Paul Bassey as Commissioner for Sports.
While highlighting the school’s growth, DIG Udom recalled that Tower of Ivory International Schools was established in 2010 with its primary and secondary schools at Ediene Abak, before expanding to four additional campuses at Ada George Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Idoro Road, Uyo.
He noted that the institution has consistently benefited from government support, beginning with the administration of former Governor Godswill Akpabio, who awarded scholarships to 31 students from the 31 local government areas of the state after observing the quality of education offered by the school, a gesture sustained by the Udom Emmanuel administration. He added that the school continues to enjoy the support of the current administration through partnerships during state sports festivals and improved road infrastructure that has enhanced access to the institution.
Highlights of the event included the commissioning of the Games Village, which features standard facilities for basketball, handball, volleyball, tennis and football; cultural dance and calisthenics performances by students; and a novelty football match between the Airport Road and Ediene Abak campuses of the school, with Elder Paul Bassey performing the ceremonial kick-off.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John; Mrs. Prince Ekpo Udom; the school’s Principal, Mr. Chijioke Ohuegbe; Vice Principals Mrs. Sylvia Joseph (Administration) and Mr. Okoi Martins (Academics); the Games Master, Mr. Ime Udofia; the Coordinator of Tower of Ivory International Schools; directors from the Ministry of Sports, as well as staff and students of the institution.
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