Ibom Air, the state-owned airline of Akwa Ibom, has signed a N200 million sponsorship deal with the state’s beloved Akwa United Football Club (AUFC) for two seasons.
As part of the agreement, Ibom Air will transport Akwa United players to all away games in states with airports, provide the team with newly designed jerseys for both home and away matches, and offer other facilities to uplift the team’s spirit.
LEADERSHIP learned that the deal followed a directive from sports-loving Governor Umo Eno, urging football stakeholders in the state to ensure Akwa United, which was relegated from the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) to the Nigerian National League (NNL) at the end of last season, returns to top-flight football.
The Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, who spoke at the signing ceremony held at the conference hall of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, applauded the collaboration as a fulfilment of a long-term vision for sports development in the state.
“I am delighted to witness this partnership becoming a reality. I have always envisioned a day when Ibom Air and Akwa United would collaborate. This aligns perfectly with the ARISE Agenda of His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, which promotes private sector involvement in sports,” he enthused.
The Chairman of Akwa United, Mr. Joseph Eno, praised Ibom Air for its timely support, stating that the intervention is a morale booster to help the club return to the NPFL.
“This partnership comes at a crucial moment as we rebuild and strive to regain our best form. The backing from Ibom Air is both strategic and timely; it will boost the morale of our players and technical team. Wearing the logo of such a reputable brand reminds us that we represent excellence and must deliver at the highest level,” he assured.
The Managing Director and CEO of Ibom Air, Mr. George Uresi, endorsed the deal on behalf of the firm, stating that the partnership reflects the airline’s commitment to supporting the state through impactful community-focused initiatives.
“At Ibom Air, our core pillars of support are health, community development, education, and sports,” he stated, adding that investing in Akwa United at this time was a prudent choice.
“Akwa United, a club with a proud championship history, is currently rebuilding. Our goal is to support their resurgence and help them rise again to the top of the league and beyond,” he stressed.
The Commissioner for Information, Rt Hon. Aniekan Umanah, commended the partnership, noting that the new arrangement would galvanise the youth and promote sustainable sports and tourism development in the state, as encapsulated in the ARISE Agenda blueprint of Governor Eno’s administration.
