Elder Paul Bassey Commended for Transforming Akwa Ibom Sports Landscape
The ongoing revitalization of the sports sector in Akwa Ibom State under the leadership of the Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, has continued to earn widespread commendation.
The latest praise came from football stakeholders under the aegis of the Ex-Ibom Stars and Akwa United Players Association, who described the transformation of sports in the state as unprecedented.
Led by their President, Mr. Solomon Edem, the association’s executive members paid a courtesy visit to Elder Bassey at his office on Thursday to express appreciation for his visionary leadership and commitment to repositioning the sports sector for sustainable growth and development.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Mr. Edem, accompanied by Mr. John Emah, Mr. Itoro Akpan, Mr. Austin George, Mr. Imowoh Jackson, and Mr. Uko Daniel, commended the Commissioner for his efforts and pledged the association’s support toward ensuring Akwa United Football Club’s return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) next season.
‘We have witnessed the remarkable transformation of the sports sector in Akwa Ibom State and deemed it necessary to appreciate your leadership and the milestones achieved so far,’ Edem said.
‘Although Akwa United narrowly missed promotion this season, we remain committed to supporting the club’s new management to ensure a successful campaign next year.’
In his response, Elder Paul Bassey thanked the association for its continued interest in sports development and acknowledged the role of Governor Umo Eno’s administration in driving the state’s sports renaissance.
He emphasized that the achievements recorded were the result of deliberate investments in youth and sports development under the ARISE Agenda, which aims to position Akwa Ibom as Nigeria’s leading hub for sports and tourism.
‘The successes we are recording today are direct results of His Excellency’s commitment and intentional investment in our youths and athletes,’ Bassey said.
‘Our goal is to ensure that talented young people take advantage of these opportunities to develop their abilities, improve their livelihoods, and compete successfully in the global sports industry.’
