By Solomon OKPO
Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, has said the renewed growth and rising national profile of sports in the state are direct outcomes of Governor Umo Eno’s deliberate and sports-friendly reforms, particularly 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 provided the institutional clarity and focus required for structured and sustainable sports development.
Elder Bassey explained that the Governor’s sports philosophy is anchored on realism and inclusion, recognising that not every young person will thrive in conventional professional careers. According to him, this understanding has driven a renewed emphasis on grassroots sports as a tool for early talent discovery, development and empowerment.
He said policies such as the reintroduction of inter-house sports competitions in public schools are already reshaping the talent pipeline, enabling the state to identify and groom athletes from an early age.
The Commissioner noted that these initiatives have begun to yield 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. He also highlighted the hosting of the NDDC Games and the state’s participation in the National Youth Games, where Team Akwa Ibom finished sixth overall.
According to him, the Ministry has enjoyed strong government backing, with key interventions including the construction of a modern gymnasium for indoor sports at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, the provision of funds for sports equipment, and the sustained motivation of athletes through incentives and cash awards. He further disclosed that the fencing project at the Sports Academy in Eket is currently ongoing.
Elder Bassey said the core mandate of the Ministry is to ensure 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 sporting excellence.
On challenges, he acknowledged that the Ministry faced a difficult take-off, particularly in securing operational office spaces and furniture. He also identified the shortage of permanent coaching staff as a major concern, which has necessitated the engagement of ad-hoc coaches, stressing the need for continuous capacity building to enhance athlete performance.
The Commissioner called on athletes, sports enthusiasts, stakeholders and well-meaning citizens to rally behind the Ministry, stressing that collective support is critical to consolidating the strong foundation laid by Governor Umo Eno for enduring sports development in Akwa Ibom State.
