Akwa Ibom Chess Association hails Governor Umo Eno's sports revolution

...Seeks support for major tournaments

By Maxwell Kumoye

The Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Chess Association, Rt. Honourable Dr. Esio Oquong Udo, has applauded Governor Umo Eno for what he described as a remarkable transformation of sports in the state, attributing the progress to the creation of a stand-alone Ministry of Sports.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Sports on Wednesday, the chess administrator said the governor's decision had sparked a new era of sports development across Akwa Ibom, creating fresh opportunities for athletes and sports associations.

Dr. Oquong also commended the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, praising his wealth of experience and leadership.

"I also thank His Excellency for appointing a man who has made his name internationally, making me very honoured to sit beside him today," he said.

The chess boss explained that the delegation's visit was aimed at strengthening the development of chess in the state, describing the game as one that sharpens the intellect and builds critical thinking among its practitioners.

Highlighting the association's busy calendar, Vice Chairman and South-South Zonal Representative of the Nigeria Chess Federation, Mr. Unwana Eugene, appealed for government support to enable Akwa Ibom players participate in key competitions scheduled for the second half of the year.

According to him, Nigeria will host the World Amateur Chess Championships, while the South-South Zonal Chess Championship, Inter-Schools Chess Competition and the Wildlife Farms Chess Tournament are all slated to hold between August and December.

Responding, Commissioner for Sports Elder Paul Bassey praised Dr. Oquong's enduring contribution to sports development in Akwa Ibom and Nigeria.

"Your pioneering work in sports is legendary and I thank you for your passion and love for the sport over time," Bassey said.

The commissioner also acknowledged Governor Umo Eno's continued investment in sports, revealing that all sporting associations in the state now have equipment for training while preparations are in top gear for the forthcoming state sports festival, designed to discover talents from the grassroots.

He further disclosed that more than six athletes from Akwa Ibom will represent Team Nigeria at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow later this month.

Bassey described the sports academy currently under construction in Eket as the state's biggest long-term investment in sports, calling it a legacy project that will benefit generations of athletes.

"The biggest investment is the sports academy being constructed in Eket. This is a legacy project and the sports community owes His Excellency a debt of gratitude," he said.

The commissioner assured the Chess Association of the ministry's commitment to supporting the sport, noting that chess has historically brought national recognition to Akwa Ibom.

The meeting was attended by members of the Chess Association, including the coach, secretary and players' representatives, as well as top officials of the Ministry of Sports, including Permanent Secretary Mrs. Rosemary Ubia, Director of Sports Mrs. Brigid Otton, Director of Coaching Mrs. Catherine Ekuta, and other senior management staff.

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