Finally! Akwa Ibom State Football Association elects new board
After a long wait, a new era begins for football in Akwa Ibom State as Samuel Umoh emerged the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association (FA) following a successful election.
The results were announced by Hon. Saturday Akpan, Chairman of the Electoral Committee, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo to end a period of dispute which led to the constitution of a Normalisation committee in the state, SportsRation correspondent Nsikakabasi Akpan reports,
The new Akwa Ibom State FA chairman Samuel Umoh clinched victory with 25 votes, surpassing his sole opponent, Emmanuel Okon, who garnered 12 votes. Raymond Essien secured the Vice Chairmanship position with 21 votes, defeating John Ekpenyong with 16 votes.
The newly elected board members also include Obot Udoka, Ifiok Umanah, Friday Ekpo, Emmanuel Eduoku, Felix Udoh, Orok Orok, and Anthony Etim, signifying a blend of experience and fresh perspectives within the leadership team.
In his acceptance speech, Chairman Samuel Umoh expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their support, emphasising the significance of restoring peace within the Akwa Ibom FA. He pledged to prioritize football development in the state and vowed not to disappoint the people of Akwa Ibom and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Having played professionally both locally and internationally, Umoh’s experience positions him well to steer the FA towards greater achievements. He extended an olive branch to his opponents, reaffirming his dedication to fostering unity and progress in Akwa Ibom football.
The representative of the Nigeria Football Federation’s President, Otunba Dele Ajayi, commended the transparency and success of the election process.
As reported by journalist Bassey Ibiatisuho, the election event was attended by esteemed dignitaries, including Otuekong Nse Essien, representing South-South on the NFF Board, Mrs. Brigitte Oton, Director of Sports in the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, Hon. Uwemedimo Asuquo, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Sports, Comrade Emmanuel Akpan, State Chairman of the Sport Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Comrade Amos Etuk, State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and numerous others.
