Thursday July 16, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng
The creation of a stand alone sports ministry in Akwa Ibom state has led to unprecedented sports development in the state.
This was the view of Rt Hon Dr Esio Oquong Udo, Chairman Akwa Ibom State Chess Federation, who was on
a courtesy visit to the Sports Ministry on Wednesday.
The political heavyweight and Chess veteran was all praise for Gov Umo Eno for the “ sports renaissance sweeping through the state”.
The Chess Chairman also poured encomium on the Sports Commissioner whose vast experience in sports has reflected in the progress of the ministry. ” …. I also thank His Excellency for appointing a man who has made his name internationally making me very honoured to sit beside him today.”
He went on to address the Management of the ministry on the motive of his delegation’s visit which bordered on the development of Chess in the state which he said is ” a sport that aids the intellect of its practitioners”.
Speaking further, the vice chairman of the Association and South South zonal representative of the Federation ,Mr Unwana Eugene highlighted the different chess activities lined up for the year and called on the ministry for support.
Nigeria, he said will be hosting the World Amateur Chess Championships and Akwa Ibom players will need sponsorship to attend.
Also expected is the South South Zone Chess Championship, Inter School Chess Competition and Wildlife Farms Chess Tournament, all of which are expected to hold between August and December.
In his response, The Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, thanked Dr Oquong for his service to sports generally, and chess in particular.
“….your pioneering work in sports is legendary and I thank you for your passion and love for the sport over time”, the Commissioner said.
He went on to appreciate Governor Umo Eno for the support he has given to the youths of Akwa Ibom through sports.
“ For the first time in a long while all the sports have sports equipment to train with. We are getting set for the much anticipated sports festival which led to the discovery of budding talents from the grassroots.
“ I am also proud to inform us that over six Akwa Ibomites will be representing Nigeria at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow later in the month.
“ Meanwhile the biggest investment is the Sports Academy being constructed in Eket . This is a legacy project and the sports community owes His Excellency a debt of gratitude “, the commissioner added.
He however,promised the ministry’s support to chess to the best of its ability as, from earlier time , chess was one of those sports that lifted Akwa Ibom nationally.
The Chess delegation comprised the coach, secretary, and players representatives .
Also in the meeting was the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Rosemary Ubia, Director of Sports, Mrs Brigid Otton, the Director of Couching, Mrs Catherine Ekutta, amongst others.
