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By Akila Matawal
When Governor Umo Eno sent the list of commissioner candidates to the Akwa Ibom State Assembly for consideration, one name stood out: Elder Paul Bassey.
The inclusion of the veteran sports journalist and accomplished football administrator was greeted with applause by those who mean well for the sports development of Akwa Ibom, and a year after his assumption of office, the achievements are enormous.
Worthy of note is the fact that Elder Bassey is the pioneer helmsman of the ministry after his separation from the erstwhile Ministry of Youth Development and Sports to stand alone. This piece examines Bassey’s accomplishments since taking office on February 24, 2025.
▪️Successful host of Maiden Niger Delta Games
Elder Paul Bassey’s inauguration coincided with preparations for the inaugural edition of the Niger Delta Games which Akwa Ibom won the right to host.
In his usual way of showing commitment to grassroots development, Bassey was fully immersed in the preparation phase. His presence at every strategy meeting, supervision of facilities, renovation of facilities and other activities contributed to a historic and successful championship. As if this was not enough, he set up a committee to review Akwa Ibom’s performance in filling the gaps and do better in subsequent competitions.
▪️Revival of the Akwa Ibom Sports Festival
Once a hub for talent discovery, the Akwa Ibom Sports Festival has been silent for seven years and the commissioner’s immediate response was to revive the programme, a decision that has brought hope back to the sector in the state.
The championship returned to prominence in the last quarter of 2025 and was one of the best events of its kind ever organised. New talents have been announced to the world and are already making their mark in and outside the state.
▪️Award for state medal winners at the National Youth Games
Motivation for athletes has been a neglected area in Akwa Ibom and elder Paul Bassey has taken decisive steps to change the narrative.
Upon returning from the National Youth Games, medal winners were rewarded for their achievements and reassured of the State’s commitment to their well-being. This is another plus for the ministry led by Paul Bassey.
▪️Construction and launch of the “Ibom Gym”
In what has been described as a smart move, the elder Bassey spearheaded the construction and launch of the Ibom Gymnasium at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
Declaring the facility open, engineer Uwem Okoko, CEO of indigenous construction company Hensek Integrated Services, joined other guests to celebrate the vision and motivation behind the project.
The new facility, launched in January 2026, is key to athlete training, competition preparation and, if used correctly, will help coaches get their athletes back into shape.
▪️ Purchase of sports equipment
At the same time as the launch of the Ibom gym, the sports equipment used by the over 40 sports associations in Akwa Ibom state was inaugurated. Basketball, volleyball, handball, tennis, table tennis, badminton, track and field, chess, scrabble, judo, taekwondo, boxing and many other sports have all been equipped as a result of this singular step.
In his remarks during the inauguration, Paul Bassey praised Governor Umo Eno for keeping his promise by releasing funds for the project which cost a lot – with some of the equipment imported from countries with the highest quality.
▪️Improved finishing at Niger Delta Games
After hosting the first edition, the Akwa Ibom Sports Ministry was determined to do better in the second edition and the fruits of the post evaluation process and findings from the Akwa Ibom Sports Festival made this ambition possible.
Accumulating 55 medals including 16 gold, 17 silver and 22 bronze, Team Akwa Ibom finished fourth overall behind powerhouses Edo Delta and Bayelsa – a big step forward.
▪️Staff training to improve performance
As someone who desires excellence in everything he does, Elder Paul Bassey led his ministry to organize and successfully conduct a three-day in-house training course for staff members. The gains are huge and definitely worth the price.
Impressed with the Sports Ministry’s training programme, Head of Service, Mrs Elsie Anietie Peters, spoke glowingly of Elder Paul Bassey and his team for setting the pace.
▪️Akwa United/Ibom Air Partnership
The marriage between Akwa United and Ibom Airlines Limited is another success story for sports in Akwa Ibom in the last year.
At the center of this sponsorship deal is senior Paul Bassey. His drive, drive and leadership brought the deal to life. The deal brought relief to the Promise Keepers with seamless flights to and from far-flung distances, an improved fan experience at home games and more funds for running the club. A top spot in Conference B at the moment and a hopeful return to the Nigeria Premier Football League are the result of this partnership.
▪️Launch of the radio program
In a bid to promote the development of grassroots sports, report on ministry happenings and keep the public informed about sporting events in Akwa Ibom, “Kickoff Akwa Ibom” was launched. The radio show airs on Inspiration 105.9 FM every Wednesday from 1pm to 1.30pm with a repeat every Saturday from 6.30pm to 7pm.
In conclusion, the Akwa Ibom sports sector has witnessed a turning point and it is safe to say that elder Paul Bassey is a square peg in a square hole. Better days are obviously coming as the Akwa Ibom State Government is already doing more. Soon, a slew of sports facilities will be inaugurated at the ARISE Resort in Uyo, while the Ibom Sports Academy will receive much-needed attention for its implementation in a few years.
