Sports

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, has thrown its weight behind the forthcoming Comfort FM Neighborhood Football Fiesta, describing it as a laudable initiative to promote unity, talent discovery, and youth development in the state. The endorsement was announced recently, by the NUJ State Chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John, during a courtesy visit in his office by Comrade Ubong Ukutt Charley, popularly known as MC Spinosky, Head of Events, Branding, and Strategic Marketing at Comfort FM. Comrade John commended the station for introducing what he described as a groundbreaking and community-driven tournament, stressing that the initiative would not only strengthen neighborhood bonds but also revive the spirit of sportsmanship, teamwork, and excellence among youths in Akwa Ibom. “Sports is a universal tool that unites people, and I am confident that through this tournament, new talents will emerge and be exposed to industry experts who can help them compete at the global stage,” Comrade John stated. He further assured that the Union would actively promote and amplify the three-month-long tournament, scheduled to run from October to December 2025, while pledging the Council’s commitment to partner with Comfort FM in making it a resounding success. Earlier, Comrade Ubong Ukutt, aka MC Spinosky lauded Comrade John’s leadership, describing him as a mentor and role model to young professionals in the media space. He explained that the Comfort FM Neighborhood Football Fiesta, the first of its kind by a radio station in Nigeria, would adopt a cup-competition structure and reward winners with cash prizes totaling over 1.75 million naira. Comrade Ukutt explained that beyond the financial incentives, the tournament is designed to identify and nurture raw talents from local communities, particularly youths who play football on the streets but possess the potential to excel professionally. In attendance during the visit include: State Vice Chairman, Comrade Margaret Moore, Secretary, Comrade Nsikak Esenowo; Assistant Secretary, Comrade Uduak Akai; Treasurer, Comrade Udeme Hosea, and Auditor, Comrade Dianime Uko.

The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John has reaffirmed his commitment and support to prioritise the welfare, and wellbeing of the female football team in the Union. Comrade John gave the assurance during a courtesy visit led by the football team Captain, Comrade Mary Ekere, in his office on Friday September 19, 2025. The NUJ Boss lauded the players for their resilience and unity during the just concluded novelty match, assuring them of his administration’s commitment to their welfare. He promised to provide the requested First Aid box, and strengthen the welfare structure of the team, with structured training sessions. Speaking further, he urged the players to take personal responsibility for fitness and health beyond NUJ activities, adding that consistent sporting engagement would help reduce health risks and improve general wellbeing. He also reiterated his administration’s resolve to build a culture of teamwork, accountability, and unity within the Union, assuring that the female football team would remain a priority in the council’s activities, going forward. Earlier in her remarks, the Captain of the team, Comrade Mary Ekere commended the Chairman for running an all inclusive leadership within the six weeks in office assuring of their unwavering support to ensure that the Union is represented at all levels in the sports activities. She appealed to the Chairman for an improved welfare packages, provision of a First Aid box, and regular training sessions to enhance the team’s performance. According to her, this will help keep the team members fit, sound and ready to participate in any tournament that will be taking place in the Union and outside. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) female football team defeated their counterparts from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) 3–1 in a novelty match played at the NUJ Football Pitch as part of activities marking the 2025 NIPR Annual General Meeting (AGM) week. At the event, Mrs. Emem Anthony, wife of the Executive Chairman of Nsit Atai Local Government Area, commended the organisers for promoting unity through sports. She lauded both teams for their spirited performance, stressing that football remains a platform for fostering talent, teamwork, and social cohesion. “There were no losers today, both teams emerged victorious by demonstrating the shared goal of unity and togetherness as an outstanding profession in Nigeria and beyond,” she said. In their separate goodwill messages, the NIPR Chairman, Elder Manasseh Udoette, and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Media, Comrade Amos Etuk, applauded the players for their commitment and passion, describing the match as more than just a competition but a family affairs, which showcases the cordial relationship between the two professional bodies.

The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports development, declaring that the 2025 Ibom Sports Festival is designed to discover, nurture, and groom raw talents capable of competing and excelling on the global stage. He said this during the opening ceremony of the Akwa Ibom Sports Festival 2025 held on Monday, September 8, 2025, at the Uyo Township Stadium. Ably represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, he said the event is part of the state’s determination to harness its vast sporting potential for international participation and recognition. He stressed that sports have grown into a multi-million-dollar global industry and urged stakeholders in Akwa Ibom to take deliberate steps to identify and promote young talents who can compete favorably with their counterparts worldwide. Governor Eno cited the achievements of world-class athletes of Nigerian descent such as Bukayo Saka of Arsenal FC, Super Eagles star William Troost-Ekong of Etinan origin, WBO heavyweight champion Moses Itauma, and NBA coach Ime Udoka, noting that Akwa Ibom is poised to produce more stars of similar pedigree through structured investments. According to him, he said that to drive this vision, he had approved the creation of a standalone Ministry of Sports, headed by renowned journalist and internationally respected sports administrator, Mr. Paul Bassey, while announcing the approval for the establishment of a Sports Academy in Eket Local Government Area, alongside the provision of modern facilities to enable athletes to train and compete in both local and international tournaments. “The lack of modern equipment has over the years hindered our state from winning laurels, but with the right infrastructure now in place, we are confident our athletes will excel,” he said. Governor Eno added that sports, alongside music and cultural heritage, form a strategic part of his administration’s drive of ARISE AGENDA to position Akwa Ibom as a tourism hub. He urged athletes to showcase their talents with discipline, teamwork, and the spirit of sportsmanship, reminding them that the festival also forms part of the state’s 38th anniversary celebration. “This sports festival is the first under my administration and a platform to unearth the abundance of raw talents scattered across the 31 local government areas of our state,” he said. In a goodwill message, the Chairman Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Dr. Uwemedimo Udo commended the Governor for prioritizing sports development and tourism in the State. He stressed that the event would give young athletes valuable exposure, helping to elevate them to national and international competitions with their God given talents. Dr. Uwemedimo pledged the ALGON’s readiness and unwavering support throughout the process in ensuring fair play games describing the Governor’s approach as a worthy investment where young sports men and women will have equal opportunity to be exposed globally through their creativity and talents. The event also featured the ceremonial lighting of the sports torch to signify unity in the state, administering the oath of allegiance by athletes and officials, and a kickoff by the Governor for the opening football match between Team Ikot Abasi and Team Uyo.

…Pledges Support for Independence Fitness Festival 2025 The Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Nsibiet John has announced plans to ensure journalists prioritise physical fitness for optimum delivery of their job. He stated this on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 while playing host to the Executive Members of the Association of Fitness, Health and Wellness Instructors, Akwa Ibom State in his office. The group led by the President, Mr. Archibong Inyang disclosed that the purpose of their visit was to intimate the Union about the upcoming Independence Fitness Festival 2025 billed for October 4 at Flairmore Event Center, Edet Akpan Avenue, Uyo by 6:30 AM. Mr. Archibong while congratulating Comrade John on his victory and subsequent inauguration as Chairman, appealed for partnership with the Union to make the Fitness fiesta a success. Responding, Comrade Nsibiet John stated that as a sports loving person, the Union under his leadership will prioritise the physical well-being and fitness of journalists. He pledged to liase with the fitness group to ensure that the Independence Fitness Festival becomes a huge success as journalists will help promote and also participate in the event come October. Accompanying Mr. Archibong during the visit were, Dr Joseph Etuk and Comrade Ekemini Emmanuel.