A/Ibom Prepares For National Sports, Acquires Multi-milliion Naira Boxing Ring

In move aimed at repositioning athletes for more laurels in both domestic and international sporting events, the Akwa Ibom State government under Governor Umo Eno, has acquired a brand new boxing ring, to train budding talents in boxing across different weight categories.

Unveiling the facility at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, the State capital at the weekend, the commissioner for sports, Elder Paul Bassey, commended Governor Eno, for living up to his promise to elevate sports to the top level in line with his administration’s ARISE Agenda.

The new ring, Bassey stated, replaced the old that he said required constant repairs, with carpenters frequently called in to fix worn-out sections ahead of any events.

He noted that the new ring, provided by the State Governor, offers a more durable and comfortable alternative, explaining that It is designed not only for boxing, but also for other martial arts disciplines, thereby broadening its usability for athletes across different sports.

Bassey stated that apart from the ring, the Governor also procured sports bicycles to enhance the performance of Akwa Ibom athletes at regional, national and international levels.

He said: “Following the Niger Delta sports event in Uyo, where the state finished sixth, the government initiated early training programmes and invested in modern sporting equipment.

“These efforts paid off at subsequent competition in Edo State, where Akwa Ibom improved significantly, moving up from sixth to fourth position. Athletes were rewarded based on their performances, receiving cash prizes ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦2 million.”

The next priority, our Correspondent gathered, is the development of indoor sports facilities ahead of future competitions, including the forthcoming sports festival.

“Efforts are already underway to equip indoor sports, with plans to establish a permanent venue,” he disclosed.

Addressing the forum, the Chairman of the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Nsibiet John, noted that the appointment of the commissioner for sports, Paul Bassey, was initially greeted with scepticism, as some believed he would focus solely on football.

However, he commended the commissioner for promoting a wide range of sporting activities, cautioning that while acquiring equipment was important, proper maintenance remains crucial.

“All facilities and equipment must be carefully safeguarded and maintained to ensure their longevity and continued benefit to athletes,” he stressed.

Sports sector stakeholders , therefore, called for continued support for sports development in the State, urging patience as the government works to provide more world-class facilities.

The inauguration of the boxing ring showcased demonstration bouts from 44kg to 75kg.

The 75kg men’s championship featured Emediong Joe from Nsit Ubium, gold medalist at the 2025 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival, bronze medalist at the National Sports Festival in Ogun State 2025, and gold medalist at the first edition of the NDDC Games in Uyo. His opponent was Nyong Nyong from Oron LGA, who lost in the quarter-final of the Commonwealth trials in Lagos.