The Akwa Ibom State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to remaining Nigeria’s leading destination for sports tourism by launching a comprehensive statewide inventory of sports infrastructure.
The exercise, initiated by the Ministry of Sports, follows a directive by Governor Pastor Umo Eno during a recent State Executive Council meeting in Uyo. It aims to assess the condition of sports facilities across the state, ensure proper maintenance, and identify areas for upgrades or replacement.
Speaking on the importance of the project, the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, said the state is determined to sustain its reputation as Nigeria’s sports tourism hub.
“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.
Among the facilities under inspection are the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo Township Stadium, Eket Stadium, Olympic size swimming pool, Arise Park, Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre sports facilities, Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium, West Itam Sports Centre, and various sports academies and centres across the state.
Elder Bassey highlighted that Akwa Ibom is currently the only Nigerian state with a stadium certified by both CAF and FIFA for 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.”
The commissioner also revealed that Governor Umo Eno, during a recent Town Hall meeting in Eket, requested an update on the condition of the Eket Stadium and asked for a detailed report to be presented to the Executive Council.
“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.
The initiative is expected to strengthen Akwa Ibom’s strategic planning for sports development and reinforce its capacity to host both local and international sporting events, further cementing its place as Nigeria’s sports tourism capital.