By Solomon OKPO
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, has charged football coaches in the state to strengthen collaboration and coordination among themselves in order to enhance professionalism and raise coaching standards.
Elder Bassey gave the charge on Monday, June 22, when members of the Association of Coaches under the umbrella of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association paid him a courtesy visit in his office.
Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association, Mr. Samuel Umo, and the leader of the coaches’ delegation, Coach Udobia Udobia, appealed to the Ministry of Sports for support towards the professional certification of football coaches across the state.
The coaches disclosed that arrangements were underway to partner with the Nigerian Institute of Sports (NIS) to organize an eight-week coaching certification programme for about 100 coaches in Akwa Ibom State.
According to them, the initiative was conceived as a cost-effective alternative to sending coaches to Lagos for the programme, thereby eliminating the financial and logistical challenges associated with such trips.
Responding, Elder Bassey described the initiative as a welcome development and a significant step towards advancing sports development in the state in line with the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno.
The commissioner, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Mrs. Rosemary Ubia, commended the coaches for coming together under a common platform, describing their unity as the foundation for future growth and progress in the profession.
He emphasized that the collaboration should extend to coaches across all 31 local government areas of the state to ensure inclusiveness and wider impact.
While encouraging the coaches to continue projecting their relevance in sports development, Elder Bassey explained that the ministry’s ability to support their funding request would depend on budgetary provisions and government procedures governing capital-intensive expenditures.
The commissioner, however, stressed that the most important aspect of the initiative was the determination of coaches to improve their professional standards through certification and continuous learning.
He noted that professional development would enhance the value and credibility of coaches, adding that coaching thrives on competence, merit, and excellence rather than favoritism or nepotism.
Elder Bassey reiterated the ministry’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote capacity building and sustainable sports development in Akwa Ibom State.
