By Solomon OKPO
The Akwa Ibom State Government has commissioned a state-of-the-art gymnasium, christened Ibom Gym, and unveiled modern sports equipment as part of renewed efforts to reposition sports development in the state.
The facility, delivered through the Ministry of Sports, was commissioned at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, during a colourful ceremony attended by sports stakeholders, government officials and athletes.
Managing Director of Hensek Integrated Services Limited, Engr. Uwem Okoko, FNSE, who served as Special Guest of Honour, commissioned the gym and commended Governor Umo Eno for what he described as significant achievements across key sectors, particularly sports. He also praised the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, for providing focused leadership in driving the administration’s sports agenda.
Engr. Okoko, who is also the President-General of the Arise With Renewed Hope Initiative, described Governor Eno as a sports-loving and youth-friendly leader, urging athletes and sports stakeholders to fully utilise the new facilities to enhance performance and development.
In addition to the commissioning of Ibom Gym, the Ministry of Sports unveiled a wide range of high-quality sports equipment and consumables procured for the first time in over a decade. The procurement followed the approval of funds by Governor Eno last year, alongside his directive to equip the ministry with modern tools for the training and retraining of athletes and coaches.
Unveiling the equipment and offering prayers of dedication, the Guest Speaker and Chairman of the International Worship Centre, Pastor (Prof.) Ime Nyong George, encouraged athletes and coaches to maximise the use of the facilities and equipment to improve their talents and performance, noting that excellence in competitions would be the best way to reciprocate the government’s investment.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, expressed gratitude to Governor Eno for what he described as consistent support and commitment to sports development. He said the governor had demonstrated leadership by matching promises with action, adding that sports play a critical role in healthy living, youth empowerment and state development.
Elder Bassey explained that Ibom Gym, constructed by Julius Berger Plc and equipped with world-class facilities, is a signature project of the Ministry of Sports and a major milestone in the realisation of the administration’s sports development vision.
“For years, our athletes lacked basic training equipment. Many were forced to subscribe to private gyms, while others were attracted to other states with better facilities and ended up representing those states,” he said.
He added that a vibrant sports industry provides opportunities for youths to harness their talents, gain employment, live purposeful lives and inspire future generations.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem, and the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Essien Umoh.
Speaking on behalf of benefiting athletes and coaches, the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Coaches’ Association, Mr. Daniel Unoette, appealed to the government to prioritise continuous training and retraining of coaches.
The highlight of the event was an exhibition table tennis match between the Commissioner for Sports and the Commissioner for Youth Development, which Elder Bassey won 10–4.
The event was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports, Mrs. Rosemary Ubia, directors and staff of the ministry, sports journalists, stakeholders, coaches, and chairmen and secretaries of various sports associations in the state.
