Akwa Ibom Govt Sets Up 11-member Committee To Boost Grassroots Sports

The Akwa Ibom State government has inaugurated an 11-member committee to spearhead the exploration and development of local sporting talent. This initiative, known as the Grassroots Sports Development Initiative (GSDI), aims to revitalise sports at a foundational level.

Elder Paul Bassey, the Honourable Commissioner for Sports, emphasised that the committee’s formation signifies the state’s renewed commitment to building a sustainable sports ecosystem. He highlighted the urgent need to rejuvenate grassroots sports, particularly within schools, stressing the importance of early talent discovery and structured development.

The Commissioner revealed that the Governor has tasked the Ministries of Sports, Education, and Youth Development with close collaboration to achieve these objectives. Expressing concern about the current state of school sports, Mr. Bassey underscored the necessity of returning to fundamental structures, stating, “It is imperative that we refocus our efforts at the grassroots. The classroom remains the bedrock of sustainable sports development.”

He added, “We have initiated strategic engagements with the Ministry of Education to refine our approach. Youth development is intrinsically linked to sports, and this synergy must be deepened.”

The GSDI committee is mandated to design a sustainable framework promoting mass participation, facilitating early talent identification, and nurturing athletes from community levels to elite performance pathways. Key objectives include increasing youth participation in organised sports for children aged 6 to 17, identifying and developing emerging talents, promoting health, discipline, and social cohesion, and establishing structured grassroots competitions.

The initiative will target primary and secondary school students, community-based youth sports clubs, women, and persons with disabilities, with a renewed focus on reviving inter-house sports competitions across schools.

The committee comprises representatives from key ministries and agencies:
Ministry of Sports: Mrs. Brigidi Otton (Director of Sports, Chairman), Mrs. Catherine Ekuta (Director of Coaching), Mr. Victor Owokure (Director of Facilities), and Coach Stephen Ekpo.
Ministry of Education: Mrs. Kokomma B. Akpan, Mrs. Nikoyo Inyangette, and Dr. Aniete Ikot (Director, Secondary and Higher Education).
Ministry of Youth Development: Mr. Otobong Paul Etuk and Utibobong Obed.
State Secondary Education Board: Mr. Emmanuel Ebong (Director of School Sports, Secretary).
* Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare: A representative.

Commissioner Bassey urged the members to discharge their responsibilities with diligence and professionalism, noting that their recommendations would significantly shape the future of sports development in the state. The committee’s report is due to be submitted to the Governor for consideration and implementation within 14 days.