Edo 2020: Akwa Ibom Contingent Departs For National Sports Festival
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Sir Monday Ebong Uko on Saturday hosted a befitting departure ceremony for Akwa Ibom contingent ahead of the rescheduled Edo 2020 National Sports Festival.
Addressing the contingent at the main bowl of Godswill Akpabio Stadium, shortly before the team departure for the 20th National Sports Festival, the Hon. Commissioner thanked all athletes for the love they have shown to represent the State and also the coaches for their patience, dedication and commitment.
He commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for making efforts to ensure that the team’s participation is a reality, despite the challenges due to several postponements of the event and financial difficulties.
“We thank Governor Udom Emmanuel for meeting the demand for the participation of the team at the Sports Festival in Edo,” Mr. Uko said.
“His Excellency has approved 100% of the demand that was made, and as the commissioner I’m here to implement the directives of the Governor
“One of the demands which was the payment of Athletes and officials allowances for the month of March, has been implemented. “The proposed five-day Duty Tour Allowance have been upgraded to 10 days, and the funds have been approved and released.”
“Athletes daily feeding allowance of ₦1000 has been increased to ₦3000. Also, provision has been made for athletes’ meal subsidy for the 10-day period aside what will be available in Edo.
The Youth and Sports Commissioner, charged the athletes to be good ambassadors for the state and strive for Gold medal in their respective sports event.
“The Sports Festival is an avenue for you to showcase yourself and also reach pinnacle of your career. My advice to you is to go to Edo and be very good Ambassadors of Akwa Ibom State and let your eyes be on one thing which is winning the gold and becoming number one.
Responding unbehalf of the athletes, Wisdom Benjamin said he was delighted by the benevolence of Governor Udom Emmanuel and the goodwill of the Commissioner, who came by himself to encourage them before departure.
“We appreciate all the incentives which will definitely motivate us to face our opponents, having in mind that the Governor loves us and the people of Akwa Ibom State are behind us. By the Grace of God we’re coming back with medals.”
Dignitaries present at the event include; Permanent Secretary, Mrs Beatrice Udoinyang, Director of Sports, Mr. Ifiok Duff, Director of Sports, Emmanuel Akpabio, Head of Coaching, Coach Catherine Ekuta, Akwa Ibom State Council NUJ Chairman, Mr. Amos Etuk, Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Coaches Association, Moses Peter, and Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in Akwa Ibom State, Comrade Emmanuel Akpan.
Akwa Ibom contingent comprising of 242 athletes will be fighting for honours in 29 sports from Sunday, April 4 to Wednesday, April 14.