Chairman of Akwa United Football Club and Senior Special Assistant to Akwa-Ibom state Governor Udom Emmanuel on Sports, Elder Paul Bassey has hailed the Sports Arise Agenda of the gubernatorial candidate of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), www.aclsports.com reports.
In a chat with sports writers on Thursday after the semi-final match of the Akwa Ibom State FA Cup, the veteran journalist said he had gone through the manifestos and campaign promises of the various parties and none of them has anything for sports except the Arise agenda of the gubernatorial candidate of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
“Youth and Sports is my culture medium and I take time to listen and watch out for that part. That the governor has my interest at heart and by extension, the interest of the teeming population of the youths of Akwa Ibom State,” began the respected FIFA and CAF Coordinator and Instructor.
“So far, only Pastor Umoh Eno has consistently harped on the fortunes and emancipation of the youth through the establishment of sports academies in the State.
“Pastor Umoh is aware that we were not all made to be doctors, lawyers, engineers and ITC specialists. He is aware that sports is a billion dollar enterprise where talented children even of the poor have risen to stardom and riches and has promised to invest in the youth, through sports.
“On the day Eket Stadium was inaugurated Pastor Umoh Eno repeated and emphatically too his promise to establish sports academies in the State where talented youths will be honed, side by side with basic educational training as part of his Sports Arise Agenda,” said Etubom Paul Bassey.
The legendary Sports journalist also added that over time, the development of sports at the grassroot level in Akwa Ibom state has led to the discovery of potential champions in all sporting fields and all that is needed is the coordination, organization and systematic harmonization of such talents, nurturing them to a future that can only be imagined in a profession where single individuals stand to gross millions beyond their wildest dreams.
“Coincidentally, in the course of her glittering career, Pastor Eno’s deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi was one time supervisor for education, youths, sports and culture.
“A vote for Pastor Umoh Eno is a vote for the development of teeming youths of this State,” concluded Bassey who is also the Vice Chairman of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL)’s Interim Management Committee.
Akwa United defeated Dakkada FC 5-4 on penalties after regulation time has ended 0-0 to book a place in the final or the Akwa-Ibom State FA Cup and a spot in the national Federation Cup.
