By Solomon OKPO
The Akwa Ibom State Government has intensified efforts to reposition its sports sector for sustainable growth, with the Commissioner for Sports, Paul Bassey, describing Governor Umo Eno as the driving force behind an emerging sports revolution in the state.
Speaking during an appearance on the “Arise Akwa Ibom” programme on Inspiration 105.9 FM, Uyo, Bassey credited the administration’s reforms, particularly the creation of a standalone Ministry of Sports, with providing the structure needed to effectively implement the government’s development blueprint.
He described the establishment of the ministry as a bold step that has brought administrative clarity and renewed focus to sports development across the state.
Highlighting recent gains, the commissioner pointed to the state’s improved outing at the Niger Delta Games, where Akwa Ibom moved from sixth position during its hosting year to a fourth-place finish at the latest edition in Edo State. He noted that about 75 per cent of the athletes who represented the state were students and indigenes, reflecting a deliberate investment in grassroots talent development.
Bassey said the state is consciously moving away from a football-dominated model to a broader multi-sport approach, stressing that disciplines such as cricket, baseball, softball, swimming, and combat sports have contributed significantly to medal wins in recent competitions.
He identified swimming as a sport with strong potential, citing its bronze medal performance at the 2026 Niger Delta Games, and disclosed plans to scale up training and investment to boost future results.
The commissioner also highlighted cricket, baseball, and softball as emerging medal prospects, emphasizing the need for structured development programmes, grassroots engagement, and sustained funding to unlock their full potential.
“Our vision is to develop sports holistically by discovering talents at the grassroots, nurturing them through structured programmes, and providing platforms for them to excel nationally and internationally,” he said.
Bassey further acknowledged the contribution of a local stakeholder, Worldstar Entertainment, for donating baseball equipment, describing the intervention as a timely boost for the sport’s growth in the state.
On infrastructure, he commended the governor’s investment in modern sporting facilities, including the acquisition of a multi-purpose combat sports ring for boxing, kickboxing, and taekwondo.
He added that ongoing work at the sports academy in Eket, including fencing and gatehouse construction, will position the facility as a hub for talent development, coaching, and job creation.
Despite the progress, the commissioner identified inadequate sports infrastructure in public schools as a major challenge, noting that the ministry is collaborating with relevant agencies to improve facilities and revive grassroots competitions such as inter-house sports.
To strengthen long-term planning, he disclosed that the ministry has introduced a comprehensive athlete database to track emerging talents, prevent attrition, and ensure continuity in team development.
Bassey expressed optimism that sustained investment and policy consistency under Governor Eno’s leadership will continue to drive measurable growth in the sector.
“In just one year, the improvement has been remarkable. With sustained investment in facilities and youth development, the future of sports in Akwa Ibom is very bright,” he said.
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