Sunny Canto
Surprisingly, the Akwa Ibom State Government; under the leadership of Governor (Pastor) Umo Eno has recently unveiled newly procured sports equipment worth over N300 million, in order to enhance the development for their sporting industry in Nigeria.
The Akwa Ibom State Sports Commissioner; Elder Paul Bassey, disclosed the delivery of a customized boxing ring to the delight of athletes and coaches at the FIFA and CAF certified Stadium.
He officially unveiled the standard equipment on Friday, 10th April 2026, at the Nest of Champions, Uyo, where Paul Bassey also announced that more equipment and indoor sports hall is expected from the regime of Umo Eno's government.
According to the seasoned administrator, "We are not done yet. There's a lot we need to do. We can fix our swimming pool where the majority of medals come from. I believe we need an indoor sports hall because over 13 sports practice indoors. I can see the boxing coaches expressing happiness but I'm happier." he said.
Reacting to the question, if this equipment is a preparation to host a major sports event such as the National Sports Festival, the Commissioner Paul Bassey said, yes but with considerations.
"Can we host a sports festival? Yes! But what we are getting now is what we need. We need facilities, we need venues to be able to do that. We need to update the swimming pool and have an indoor sports hall to be able to host a sports festival. And we are getting there. Let's not be in a hurry" he added.
The Boxing Head Coach of Akwa Ibom State, Coach Effiong Asuquo was super excited about the new boxing ring that now replaced a 20-year-old one. He promised to groam more boxing talents for the state and increase the medals haul in future competitions.
Reaching the initiative, the Coach expressed gratitude saying "I thank God for a good governor and a Commissioner who is ready to work out the governor's agenda. We are very happy for this new ring. You saw the upcoming boxers in the demonstration bout, they are motivated to win more laurels for the state in subsequent championships" Effiong Asuquo summarized.
After a demonstration bout with Emediong Joseph in the new ring, Nyong Bassey Nyong Jr. said there is a different feeling in the ring and it was easier to interpret the coach's instructions.
Similarly, Emediong who lost out in the last Commonwealth trials in Lagos, promised better performances with the newly acquired ring. Emediong Joseph has won gold medals for Akwa Ibom in Niger Delta Games and bronze at the National Sports Festival.
Members of the sports community who witnessed the unveiling of the new ring with excitement included the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports Mrs. Rosemary Ubia, the Nigeria Union of Journalist, (NUJ) Chairman Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Nsibiet Udo John and State FA Chairman, Mr Samuel Umoh among other sport pundits.
