Sports supervisors hail Governor Umo Eno’s sports revolution

...Seek deeper and sustainable synergy

By Maxwell Kumoye

Sports supervisors from the 31 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State have applauded Governor Umo Eno for what they described as bold and transformative strides in repositioning sports across the state.

The commendation came on Tuesday when the College of Supervisors for Sports paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Sports, Paul Bassey, at his office, praising the administration’s inclusive approach and renewed drive in grassroots development.

Speaking on behalf of the College, Dean Honourable Michael Ukpong said the supervisors’ active participation in the recently concluded Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival marked a major shift in collaboration between the Ministry and local councils.

“We recorded a successful outing at the Sports Festival, with all 31 supervisors fully involved, courtesy of the support and inclusiveness of the Honourable Commissioner. We are here to appreciate him and the Governor for ensuring effective sports administration. Akwa Ibom remains a pacesetter in sports, and we are proud of that achievement,” Ukpong declared.

The supervisors noted that their involvement helped in discovering and nurturing emerging talents at the grassroots, while strengthening the framework for long-term sports planning.

They called for sustained synergy with the Ministry to further project Akwa Ibom’s athletes onto national and international stages.

Ukpong particularly lauded Governor Eno’s decision to establish a stand-alone Ministry of Sports and appoint a seasoned administrator to lead it, describing the move as a masterstroke in strengthening sports governance.

He, however, appealed for timely communication ahead of festivals and external competitions to enable proper planning at the local government level. The College also sought inclusion in state contingents to boost exposure and capacity building.

In his response, Commissioner Paul Bassey commended the supervisors for their unity and commitment, describing them as critical partners in the success of the State Sports Festival.

According to him, their hands-on involvement not only eased coordination but also contributed to building a reliable sports database for immediate and future planning.

He assured the College of improved collaboration, early dissemination of information and greater consideration of their inputs.

He also revealed plans to feature supervisors regularly on the Ministry’s weekly radio programme aired every Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. on Inspiration FM.

The visit ended on a warm note, with the presentation of assorted food items and drinks to the Commissioner as a gesture of appreciation, a symbolic display of unity as Akwa Ibom pushes forward in its sports renaissance.

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