Sports Recorder | By Solomon OKPO
Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, has charged football coaches in the state to put into practice the knowledge acquired from the just-concluded 2025 International Grassroots Coaching Course in Uyo.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the three-day programme on Wednesday, July 30, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Elder Bassey described the course as timely and impactful, aligning with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda on youth empowerment and talent development.
“I am happy I came here. This is one programme that the Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, will be very pleased with because it aligns with his ARISE Agenda which aims to empower and inspire citizens,” Bassey told the over ninety coaches in attendance.
Organised by Kally Sports in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Football Association, the course featured United States-based Coach Seth Norton and Nigerian tactician Monday Odigie as facilitators.
The Sports Commissioner urged participants to deploy their new knowledge in discovering and nurturing budding footballers who can bring glory to the state and the nation. He also stressed the importance of continuous learning, noting that even seasoned coaches require refresher courses.
“No matter how good you are, you still need people who know more to guide you, so you can improve,” he said, while encouraging coaches to embrace technology and self-development.
Elder Bassey, who personally sponsored some of the attendees, commended the State FA for its initiative and promised sustained government backing. He expressed hope that other sports associations in the state would emulate the football body to make the Ministry’s work more impactful.
Looking to the future, the Commissioner assured that subsequent coaching courses would run for longer durations to deepen learning, and in a gesture that drew applause, announced a 50 per cent refund of participation fees to all attendees.
“This is just the beginning,” he said. “We will build on this foundation.”
