Tuesday June 30, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng

In line with Governor Umo Eno’s move of incorporating village youth presidents into the state security architecture, with a high safety prospect for lives and infrastructure, the Honourable Commissioner for Sports Elder Paul Bassey, has established a liaison with the Village Head and Youth president of Aka Offot community,Obong Anthony Ekanem and Comrade Ifiok Asian, respectively.

The development follows an interface with the duo in the palace of the village Head, on Monday, June 29, where Elder Paul Bassey raised concern for more commitment within the community in the security of the Uyo Township Stadium.

In his address, Elder Bassey appreciated Governor Umo Eno’s respect for the traditional institution, highlighting it as one key component of the Arise Agenda that has contributed to the immense peace enjoyed in the state.

The Commissioner further appreciated the governor’s initiative in incorporating village youth presidents into the state security fold.

According to him, his confidence in liaising with the community trails the initiative, to ensure youths of the community “own” the stadium,as recent cases of stealing and vandalism allegedly point to Aka Offot youths. While frowning at the wrong development, Elder Bassey, charged the youths to desist from such and appealed on the youth president to rise with responsibility in safeguarding the facility.

In his response, Obong Anthony Ekanem while congratulating the Sports Commissioner for his appointment,thanked him for the progress sports has made under his watch.

Throwing a query to the village youth president on the allegation, Obong Ekanem said he has never been briefed on any such case. He however appealed to Elder Bassey not to deter in his good works in the sports sector, expressing hope that a new era is unfolding in safeguarding life and infrastructure.

The youth president in his response said most of the allegations did not truly relate suspects to indigenes of the community,as the last thief caught in the stadium only claimed to come from Aka Offot.

While equally expressing appreciation for the Commissioner’s visit, he informed that he was appointed only four months ago and pledged to beam more security focus on the stadium going forward.

In the Commissioner’s entourage were: the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Rosemary Ubia, Assistant Director of Administration, Mr James James,Uyo Sports Stadium Manager, John Udo, and Manager, God’swill Akpabio International Stadium,Mr Kufre Etukudo.