By Solomon OKPO | The Evangelist News Desk
UYO, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports Development, Elder Paul Bassey, has expressed appreciation to institutions, organisations, local government authorities and individuals whose contributions and cooperation ensured the successful hosting of the 2026 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival.
In an official appreciation message released on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Bassey acknowledged the invaluable support of the University of Uyo, Ibom Golf/Country Club, Uyo Club, local government councils, the Akwa Ibom State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigerian Christian Institute (NCI), among other partners.
The commissioner commended the University of Uyo for providing hostel facilities for participants, while recognising the Ibom Golf Club for its maiden participation in the festival and its commitment to nurturing golf talents across the state’s 31 local government areas. He also applauded local government chairmen, including the state chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), for their contributions towards the successful conduct of the sporting event.
Similarly, the NUJ, Uyo Club and NCI were acknowledged for making their respective facilities available to support the festival and ensure its smooth execution. Bassey stressed that the collective contributions of the various institutions and stakeholders demonstrated the importance of strategic partnerships in advancing sports development and creating opportunities for young people across Akwa Ibom State.
He explained that the festival was organised in furtherance of Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to youth development through the ARISE Agenda, particularly by identifying, nurturing and promoting sporting talents across the state. The commissioner reaffirmed the Ministry’s determination to sustain the existing partnerships and explore further opportunities to develop young athletes and improve their prospects through sports.
In his appreciation message, Bassey stated: “The Ministry of Sports Development appreciates this mutually profound cooperation which was focused on the development of our youth talents in the area of sports.” He further thanked the partners for helping to make the festival a success, expressing the hope that continued collaboration would provide a stronger platform for discovering and developing the sporting potential of Akwa Ibom youths.
