By Solomon OKPO, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, has initiated a partnership with the leadership of Aka Offot community to enhance security at the Uyo Township Stadium and curb incidents of vandalism and theft.
The initiative aligns with Governor Umo Eno’s policy of integrating village youth presidents into the state’s security framework to safeguard lives and public infrastructure.
Speaking during a meeting held on Monday at the palace of the Village Head of Aka Offot, Elder Bassey engaged the Village Head, Obong Anthony Ekanem, and the community’s Youth President, Comrade Ifiok Asian, on the need for stronger community participation in protecting the stadium.
The Commissioner commended Governor Eno for his respect for traditional institutions, describing it as a key pillar of the ARISE Agenda that has contributed significantly to the prevailing peace in Akwa Ibom State. He also praised the Governor’s decision to incorporate village youth presidents into the state’s security architecture.
Elder Bassey explained that the meeting was aimed at fostering a sense of ownership of the stadium among youths in the host community, following reports linking recent cases of theft and vandalism at the facility to individuals allegedly from Aka Offot.
While condemning the destruction of public property, he urged the youth leadership to take greater responsibility in mobilising young people to protect the stadium and preserve government investments.
Responding, the Village Head, Obong Anthony Ekanem, congratulated Elder Bassey on his appointment and applauded the progress recorded in the sports sector under his leadership.
On the allegations involving youths from the community, the traditional ruler stated that he had not been officially briefed on any such incidents. He nevertheless assured the Commissioner of the community’s support and encouraged him to remain committed to advancing sports development in the state.
Also speaking, Youth President Comrade Ifiok Asian clarified that many of the allegations did not directly implicate indigenes of Aka Offot, noting that in one reported incident, the suspect merely claimed to be from the community.
He disclosed that he assumed office only four months ago and pledged to intensify efforts toward ensuring the security of the Uyo Township Stadium through closer collaboration with relevant authorities.
The Commissioner was accompanied on the visit by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Mrs. Rosemary Ubia; the Assistant Director of Administration, Mr. James James; the Manager of Uyo Township Stadium, Mr. John Udo; and the Manager of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Mr. Kufre Etukudo.
