Basketball Growth in Akwa Ibom: Association Rallies Ministry Support for Annual Event
The Akwa Ibom State Basketball Association has called for the support and collaboration of the Ministry of Sports as it prepares for its annual Basketball Camp and Tournament, an event that has successfully held for three consecutive years.
The appeal was made during a courtesy call on the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, on Monday, December 8, 2025, at his office. According to the Association, the tournament provides a vital platform for discovering, training, and nurturing young basketball talents, while also engaging them meaningfully and steering them away from social vices.
The Chairman of the Association, Pharm. Godswill Eseigbe, thanked the Commissioner for his commitment to sports development and for granting the delegation audience despite the short notice.
Pharm. Eseigbe stated that, as a former basketball player and lifelong enthusiast of the sport, he remains dedicated to partnering the Ministry to improve facilities; particularly the development of an indoor sports hall, which he noted is essential given the state’s tropical weather conditions.
In his remarks, Elder Bassey stressed the importance of submitting proposals and memos early enough to allow for proper planning and budgetary allocation.
He noted that such documentation enables proper planning and ensures that events of this magnitude are accommodated in the Ministry’s budget and given adequate financial provision.
He commended the administration of Governor Umo Eno for its support to the Ministry and for continuous investment in sports development across the state.
The Commissioner also highlighted recent investments in sports infrastructure, including acquisition of sports equipment across all the sports.
He further disclosed the ongoing construction of a gym at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium and announced a ₦500,000 support package from the Ministry for the upcoming tournament.
Present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Rosemary Ubia; Director of Coaching, Mrs. Catherine Ekuta; Secretary of the Association, Mrs. Ndifreke Peter; Assistant Coach, Coach Ekereobong Etuknwa; and the Ministry’s Accountant, Mr. Godwin Ibanga.
