By Rismadarvoice ,19 November 2025
Commissioner for Sports, Akwa Ibom State Elder Paul Bassey, on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, held an interactive meeting with athletes drawn from various sports at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium hall, Uyo.
Speaking during the engagement, Elder Bassey said the meeting was organised to clarify the newly introduced one-year bond forms issued to athletes.
He explained that the bond serves as a formal agreement confirming athletes’ readiness to represent Akwa Ibom State, while enabling the Ministry to maintain accurate records of those receiving monthly remuneration from the state government.
The Commissioner also used the opportunity to thank Governor Umo Eno for releasing the cash incentives made to athletes who won medals at the just concluded sports festival and the National Youth Games.
Describing the Governor as “sports-friendly,” he affirmed the administration’s renewed commitment to rewarding excellence.
“His Excellency is committed to rewarding excellence in line with the Arise Agenda doctrine of dedication and commitment to state.” This he said marks a new beginning.
Going forward, every athlete who makes Akwa Ibom proud nationally and internationally will be duly appreciated he said.
He said the next state sports festival will focus on the discovery of talents from all nooks and crannies of the state.
Elder Bassey appealed to the athletes to exercise patience with the new administration, assuring them that improvements in athlete welfare would be prioritized.
He urged them to remain committed as the government works to reposition the sports sector for enhanced performance and opportunities.
The Commissioner further revealed that the Ministry had initiated discussions with Julius Berger Construction Company to establish a gym section at the Akpabio International Stadium to support athletes’ training and conditioning.
He added that new sports equipment had already been procured, with additional purchases underway to meet the needs of various sporting associations.
During the interactive session, athletes including Immaculate Ufot (Judo), Enku Ekuta (Judo), Emmanuel Udo (Para Athletics), and Serah Ekere (Cricket), among others, expressed appreciation to the Commissioner for his fatherly approach and openness.
They also commended him for the recent purchase of sporting equipment, which they said would enhance their training and performance.
The athletes raised concerns affecting their sports, which they hoped the Ministry will address.
In her vote of thanks, the Director of Sports, Mrs. Bridgid Otton, welcomed the athletes to the meeting despite the short notice and appreciated them for their dedication.
She expressed gratitude to Governor Umo Eno for his continuous support to the Ministry, particularly in approving funds for the purchase of sports equipment across multiple disciplines.
Mrs. Otton also commended Elder Bassey for his proactive and transparent leadership, as well as the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Rosemary Ubia and management staff for their sustained cooperation in advancing the Ministry’s mandate.
She further stressed the importance of the newly introduced consent bond form, describing it as a crucial tool for building a comprehensive and reliable data base for the Ministry of Sports and for Akwa Ibom State.
