By Amaechi Agbo
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, has described Governor Umo Eno as the architect of a growing sports revolution in the state, crediting his administration with repositioning the sector for greater impact and sustainable development.
Bassey made the remarks during an appearance on the “Arise Akwa Ibom” programme on Inspiration 105.9 FM, Uyo, where he commended the governor’s strategic reforms, particularly the creation of a standalone Ministry of Sports, which he said has provided the administrative clarity needed to effectively implement the state’s ARISE Agenda.
“I want to begin by expressing my profound gratitude to the state governor for establishing the Ministry of Sports. It is a bold and commendable step towards the growth of sports in Akwa Ibom,” he said.
Highlighting recent achievements, the Commissioner noted the state’s improved performance at the Niger Delta Games, rising from sixth position during its hosting year to a record fourth-place finish at the latest recent edition in Edo State.
He revealed that about 75 percent of the athletes who represented the state are students and indigenes, underscoring the administration’s s commitment to grassroots sports development.
The commissioner emphasized that the state is deliberately shifting from a football-centric approach to a broader multi-sport development strategy. He noted that sports such as cricket, baseball, softball, swimming, and combat disciplines have collectively delivered more medals in recent competitions.
He identified swimming as a key area of promise, revealing that the sport secured a bronze medal at the 2026 Niger Delta Games, an achievement he described as commendable. He added that plans are underway to scale up investment and training in swimming to build on the success and achieve better results in future competitions.
Bassey further pointed to cricket, baseball, and softball as emerging sports with strong medal-winning potential if given adequate attention, proper development structures, grassroots engagement, and sustained funding.
“Akwa Ibom is blessed with a rich diversity of sporting activities. From globally recognised games like cricket, softball, and baseball, the potential for international competition is immense. Our vision is to develop sports holistically by discovering talents at the grassroots, nurturing them through structured programmes, and providing platforms for them to excel both nationally and internationally,” he said.
He also acknowledged the support of an indigenous stakeholder at Worldstar Entertainment for donating baseball equipment, describing the gesture as a timely boost that will accelerate the development of the sport in the state.
The commissioner commended the governor’s investment in modern sporting facilities, including the acquisition of a multi-purpose sports ring for boxing, kickboxing, and taekwondo, while disclosing that work is ongoing at the sports academy in Eket, where fencing and a gatehouse are under construction. He said the facility is expected to serve as a hub for talent development, coaching, and job creation upon completion.
