By Maxwell Kumoye
The Akwa Ibom State sports sector may be on the verge of a major transformation following a high-level stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Commissioner for Sports, Paul Bassey, at the iconic Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
The strategic session, held in Uyo, brought together chairmen and secretaries of various sports associations alongside key stakeholders, with a unified goal to address systemic challenges and reposition sports in the state for sustained growth and competitiveness.
Representatives from a wide spectrum of sports, including football, boxing, karate, weightlifting, aquatic sports, chess, scrabble, and judo, engaged in robust discussions centered on practical reforms and improved administration.
In his address, Bassey praised the commitment of association leaders, describing the meeting as a deliberate effort to strengthen collaboration and build a more effective sports framework.
He also acknowledged the backing of Governor Umo Eno, particularly in providing modern equipment and instituting an athlete reward system that has boosted morale across the state.
“The reward system has made a meaningful impact, with medal-winning athletes receiving financial incentives that support their livelihoods,” Bassey noted.
The commissioner highlighted recent milestones, including the successful hosting of the state sports festival, improved outings at the 2025 National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, a seventh-place finish at the National Youth Games in Asaba, and a commendable fourth-place finish at the Niger Delta Games in Edo State.
He also pointed to increased representation of Akwa Ibom athletes on national and international stages.
Despite these gains, Bassey did not shy away from the need for urgent reforms.
He emphasized that issues around structure, transparency, and accountability must be addressed, while also creating space for capable individuals to contribute meaningfully to sports development.
A key policy direction announced at the meeting was a new eligibility rule for the next state sports festival: only sports with representation from at least seven local government areas will be allowed to participate, an initiative aimed at boosting inclusiveness and competitiveness.
Stakeholders seized the opportunity to voice concerns and propose solutions.
Chairman of the Aquatic Sports Association, Nseobong Jessimiel, lamented the lack of standard swimming facilities and poor maintenance culture, calling for rehabilitation of existing pools and partnerships to develop new ones.
Similarly, Karate Association chairman Mfon Mkpong advocated increased recognition and funding for martial arts, stressing the need for structured programmes, training centres, and regular competitions.
From the weightlifting corner, Isaac Ikono underscored the demanding nature of the sport and called for enhanced athlete welfare, particularly in nutrition and conditioning support.
Other contributors, including Bunmi Johnson (Judo), Daniel Udo (Boxing), and Iniobong Essien (Scrabble), echoed similar concerns, offering recommendations aimed at boosting performance and strengthening governance structures.
The meeting also had media and government representation, with Nsibiet John and Amos Etuk in attendance.
In her closing remarks, Permanent Secretary Rosemary Ubia commended the commissioner’s leadership and assured stakeholders that all submissions would be reviewed and translated into actionable policies.
The summit concluded with each association submitting detailed memoranda outlining their challenges and proposed reforms, marking what could be a turning point in the drive to build a more structured, transparent, and competitive sports ecosystem in Akwa Ibom State.
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