More
    HomeSportsAkwa Ibom intends to remain home of sports tourism in Nigeria- Bassey

    Akwa Ibom intends to remain home of sports tourism in Nigeria- Bassey

    Published on

    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”

     

    Latest articles

    Alia debunks claims of developmental marginalisation

    FROM HENRY IYORKASE, MAKURDI   Governor of Benue State, Fr Hyacinth Alia, has debunked claims of...

    I’m open to discussions, not leaving NNPP, Kwankwaso declares

    As politicians strategise for the 2027 general elections, the 2023 presidential candidate of the...

    Tinubu returns, vows to restore Nigeria’s pride

    President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his commitment to restoring Nigeria’s pride and dignity on...

    NIS hikes passport fees by 100% from September

    The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced a sharp increase in the cost of...

    More like this

    Alia debunks claims of developmental marginalisation

    FROM HENRY IYORKASE, MAKURDI   Governor of Benue State, Fr Hyacinth Alia, has debunked claims of...

    I’m open to discussions, not leaving NNPP, Kwankwaso declares

    As politicians strategise for the 2027 general elections, the 2023 presidential candidate of the...

    Tinubu returns, vows to restore Nigeria’s pride

    President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his commitment to restoring Nigeria’s pride and dignity on...