Wednesday June 10, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng
…Commissioner thanks Gov for remodeling the facility
The Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, has given Idy Sports Entertainment the assurances of the Ministry over their initiative to enliven the state in the course of the 2026 World Cup with a show tagged “Ibom Plaza World Cup Dance Challenge”.
Elder Bassey spoke on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, while receiving a contingent of Idy Sports Entertainment who were on a working visit to his office.
Responding to an official invitation to the World Cup Dance Challenge billed for June 16, 2026, at Ibom Plaza,the sports boss commended His Excellency Gov Umo Eno for remodeling the facility and commended the trans media promotion body for the timely initiative,while assuring them of massive cooperation especially as the ministry is taking steps in widening awareness about the world Cup tournament to be jointly hosted by USA, Mexico and Canada.
According to the sports helmsman, notwithstanding Nigeria’s fallout in the tournament, a lot of people have pitched tents with sister African countries that qualify. This, he said, will make the fun programmed by Idy Sports Entertainment a massive one especially as this time, people will go to watch the ball with giveaways.
“…is unfortunate that Nigeria did not qualify. But that will not take away the allure of the world Cup as Nigerians have pitched their tents behind other African countries.
“…And as a ministry we really thank Idy Sports Entertainment for this initiative, especially as this time people will not just go there to watch matches but stand chances of winning assorted gifts as they show their dancing skills and pick prizes”, the commissioner said.
Describing the show as collaborative with the state government,the Sports Commissioner, however, thanked Governor Umo Eno for the foresight in remodeling the Ibom Plaza and prioritizing security in his governance, which is key in the planning of the show.
“… probably this wouldn’t have happened if the Ibom Plaza was not remodeled…even when matches start by 8 pm and end late, security is guaranteed”.
Earlier in his remarks, the manager of Idy Sports Entertainment, Charles Ewang, had while extending a special invitation to the commissioner,said that the show was aimed at spicing sports with dance, with the benefit of keeping the state positively alive as well as driving tourist attraction during the tournament.
According to him, the arrangement is open for as many dance groups to make free entry, while seven groups will be selected and the first three in performance will be prized. Additionally, spectators at the show stand a chance to cart away giveaways including branded Gov Umo Eno 2027 T- shirts, airtime vouchers etc.
With the commissioner at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs Rosemary Ubia,and the Director of Sports, Mrs Brigid Otton.