The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, has announced that construction work will begin next week on the new Sports Academy in Eket.
He made this known on Monday, August 4, during a meeting with Sports Supervisors from the 31 Local Government Areas at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
“This administration has approved the construction of a sports academy in Eket, and by next week, we will start work there,” Elder Bassey said.
He explained that the academy will be a modern facility with training areas for different sports, and will play a key role in growing talent across the state.
“The Sports Academy will be state of the art, with facilities for multiple sports,” he added.
Elder Bassey praised Governor Umo Eno for supporting the project, saying it shows the government’s strong commitment to developing sports at all levels in Akwa Ibom.
Sports Festival Plans Also Underway
During the same meeting, the Commissioner also spoke about the 2025 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival, which is planned to take place in September 2025.
He urged the supervisors to prepare athletes from their local governments, as they will be the ones competing in 27 different sports events during the festival.
Memos will be sent out soon to help guide local governments through their preparations.
A Boost for Sports in Akwa Ibom
The Commissioner also revealed that new sports equipment will be purchased soon to support both grassroots and state-level training.
“We are on a good path, and this is a turning point for sports development in our state,” Elder Bassey said.