The Akwa Ibom State Government has outlined clear steps to maintain its status as Nigeria’s home of sports tourism, beginning with a statewide inventory of all sports facilities.

The initiative, which is being carried out by the Ministry of Sports, follows a directive by Governor Pastor Umo Eno during a recent State Executive Council meeting in Uyo. The aim is to check the condition of sports facilities across the state, make sure they are properly maintained, and identify areas that need upgrades or replacement.

Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, explained that the move is part of efforts to protect the state’s image as a top destination for sports in Nigeria.

“Akwa Ibom State has been Nigeria’s sports tourism center for some years now, and His Excellency Pastor Umo Bassey is determined to maintain the status quo, as we have seen in his administration’s resolve in maintaining sports infrastructure and facilities across the state,” he said.

Some of the major facilities under review include the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo Township Stadium, Eket Stadium, the Olympic size swimming pool, Arise Park, the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre sports facilities, Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium, West Itam Sports Centre, and several sports academies and local sports centres.

Elder Bassey pointed out that Akwa Ibom remains the only state in Nigeria with a stadium certified by both CAF and FIFA to host international football matches.

“The fact that Godswill Akpabio International Stadium is the only stadium in Nigeria that meets CAF and FIFA standards for hosting international football matches is a testament to the maintenance culture of past and present administrations in the state,” he noted.

“As captured in the Arise Agenda of His Excellency, we are committed to extending that maintenance culture to all sports infrastructure and facilities in Akwa Ibom State.”

He also mentioned that during a recent Town Hall meeting in Eket, Governor Umo Eno requested an update on the state of the Eket Stadium and directed that a report be presented to the Executive Council as soon as possible.

“The comprehensive compilation and sports assets inventory exercise is a step towards repositioning and ensuring proper maintenance of sports infrastructure and facilities while promoting and marketing our state as a sports tourism destination,” Bassey added.

This effort is expected to improve long-term planning for sports development in the state and boost Akwa Ibom’s ability to host both national and international sporting events, strengthening its position as Nigeria’s number one destination for sports tourism”