UYO/Nigeria: With preparations in full swing for the maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival in April, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, has embarked on an inspection tour of key sporting facilities in the state, assuring that the government is committed to delivering a successful event.
During his visit to the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC) in Ikot Ada Idem, Elder Bassey was conducted around the facilities by the Chairman of the Governing Council, Chief Churchill Udoh, and the Rector, Professor Enoidem Usoroh. Inspections covered the football field, indoor sports hall, basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts, medical centre, hostels, and auditorium—key areas expected to accommodate the over 3,000 athletes from the nine Niger Delta states.
Expressing satisfaction with the quality of facilities, Elder Bassey commended Governor Umo Eno for approving Akwa Ibom as the host state, emphasizing that the festival will serve as a platform to showcase the state’s strides in sports infrastructure development and maintenance. He noted that the hostels at DASAC have the capacity to accommodate 1,000 athletes during the festival.
At the West Itam Sports Centre, the Commissioner inspected ongoing rehabilitation work on the basketball, volleyball, tennis, and handball courts. Facility Manager Victor Owokere decried cases of vandalism at the centre and appealed for improved security to protect the infrastructure.
Condemning the destruction of public sports facilities and their unauthorized use, Elder Bassey announced plans to establish a Stadium Management Committee to oversee the maintenance and security of government-owned sports venues across the state. He also commended the rehabilitation efforts at the Itam Sports Centre and assured proper management of the facility beyond the festival, which is scheduled to take place from April 1 to 9.
The Commissioner was accompanied on the tour by top officials of the Ministry of Sports, led by the Director of Sports, Mrs. Brigitte Oton.
