Akwa Ibom's Godswill Akpabio International Stadium has been recognized for its world-class facilities by Sportsville, earning the state a nomination for an award. The stadium is the only one in Nigeria approved by CAF and FIFA for hosting international tournaments, a fact that Elder Paul Bassey, the Akwa Ibom State Sports Commissioner, sees as a cause for concern.
Bassey attributes the success of the stadium to a legacy of leadership and continuity in the state. He credits the quality of governors who have managed the stadium, starting from Governor Godswill Akpabio who built it, to Governor Udom Emmanuel who christened it, and now Governor Umo Eno who is maintaining it. Bassey emphasizes the importance of maintenance, citing the ten-year maintenance contract signed by Julius Berger in 2012 and the ongoing commitment to upkeep by Governor Eno.
The stadium's maintenance is not a cheap endeavor, but the state's sports-loving government has made it a priority. Bassey recommends that other states learn from Akwa Ibom's approach to maintenance and replicate it in their own facilities. He believes that a national mindset change is necessary to make progress in sports development.
Akwa Ibom's ambition in sports development extends beyond the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. The state is building standard stadiums in Uyo, Eket, and Ikot Ikpene, and has a fully equipped Ibom Arise Resort and a newly opened Ibom Sports Gym. These developments align with Sportsville's objective of encouraging investment in sports infrastructure.
Akwa Ibom's emphasis on maintenance is a shining example of what can be achieved when sports infrastructure is prioritized. The state's commitment to upkeep is a key factor in its success, and other states would do well to follow suit. As the award ceremony approaches, it will be interesting to see if other states can match Akwa Ibom's standards in sports development.
