Ibom Gym Opens As Akwa Ibom Steps Up Sports Development
New Facilities Signal Fresh Era for Akwa-Ibom Sports
AKWA-Ibom State has officially entered a new phase of sports development with the unveiling of modern training facilities and equipment designed to enhance athlete performance and reduce dependence on external venues.
The commissioning of Ibom Gym, alongside newly acquired sports consumables, took place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, drawing athletes, administrators, and stakeholders from across the sports sector.
Recognition of Government Commitment
Special Guest of Honour, Engr. Uwem Okoko, lauded Governor Umo Eno for investing strategically in sports infrastructure, noting that the initiative reflects the administration’s broader youth empowerment agenda. He urged athletes to take full advantage of the facilities and translate the investment into competitive success.
Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, described the development as the fulfilment of a directive issued by the Governor last year to upgrade sports infrastructure statewide.
Ibom Gym: A Signature Project
According to Bassey, Ibom Gym is a first-of-its-kind facility in the state, constructed to international standards by Julius Berger Plc. He noted that the gym addresses long-standing gaps in athlete preparation, particularly strength and conditioning.
The commissioner stressed that with access to modern equipment, Akwa-Ibom athletes are now well-positioned to compete favourably with peers nationwide.
Calls for Results and Sustainability
Professor Ime Nyong George encouraged athletes and coaches to justify the investment through discipline, hard work, and improved performance. Representatives of athletes and coaches, led by Daniel Unoette, also appealed for continuous capacity-building for coaches to complement the new facilities.
Goodwill messages from officials in youth development and education further reinforced the administration’s commitment to sports as a pathway to employment, discipline, and social cohesion.
