AKWA IBOM STATE: EKET COMMUNITY DONATES 11 HECTARES OF LAND TO STATE GOVERNMENT FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF ARISE SPORTS ACADEMY:
Written by: Daniel Edon.
The Akwa Ibom State Government has taken possession of 11 hectares of land in Odoro Enen community, Eket Local Government Area, for the establishment of the ARISE Sports Academy.
The land was donated by the Idung Iniang group of villages and handed over to the State Commissioner for Sports Development, Elder Paul Bassey, by the Chairman of Eket Local Government Area, Mkpisong Akaniyene Tommey.
The Arise Sports Academy, is one of Governor Umo Eno’s key developmental initiatives, aimed at promoting youth development through sports.
The establishment of the ARISE Sports Academy is expected to;
– Promote Youth Development: Through sports development and empowerment.
– Foster Sporting Excellence: By providing a hub for nurturing talent and excellence.
– Boost Local Economy: By transforming sports into a viable industry and tool for economic growth.
The event marks a significant milestone in the ARISE Agenda, highlighting Governor Umo Eno’s vision for sports development in Akwa Ibom State.
The host communities have expressed their support for the project, with the Youth President of ‘Idung Iniang’ appealing for the inclusion of local youth in the construction/implementation process.
The State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the project, with Elder Paul Bassey emphasizing the importance of swift commencement.
In his Speech, the Commissioner for Sports Development expressed gratitude to the host communities for their generosity and foresight in donating the land. He emphasized that the ARISE Sports Academy is a fulfillment of Governor Umo Eno’s campaign promise to prioritize youth development through sports. As a native of Eket, he feels a personal and moral responsibility to ensure the project’s swift commencement.
The Chairman of Eket Local Government Area thanked Governor Umo Eno for selecting Eket for the landmark project. He described the academy as a future hub for nurturing sporting excellence and a catalyst for youth empowerment in the area.
Also speaking, the Youth President of Idung Iniang appreciated the State Government’s gesture and appealed for the inclusion of local youth in the implementation process.
Comrade Tommy Enodien, PhD , welcomed guests and described the ARISE Sports Academy as a long-awaited dream. He pledged total cooperation from the host communities to ensure the project’s successful delivery.
Dignitaries that witness the occasion were;
Elder Paul Bassey, State Commissioner for Sports Development, Mkpisong Akaniyene Tommey, Executive Chairman of Eket Local Government Area, Hon. Frank Archibong , Dean of Commissioners/Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Nsidibe Akata, Member representing Eket State Constituency, Chief Friday, Village Head of Afia Nsit, Obonganwan Comfort Enodien, Comrade Tommy Enodien , Commissioner 2 in the Ethical and Attitudinal Reorientation Commission (EARCOM), Comrade Isaac Usoro, Youth President of Idung Iniang.
The establishment of the ARISE Sports Academy is expected to promote youth development, foster sporting excellence, and boost the local economy by transforming sports into a viable industry. The event marks a significant milestone in the ARISE Agenda, highlighting Governor Umo Eno’s vision for sports development in Akwa Ibom State.
