As the 2025 Niger Delta Sports Festival approaches, scheduled for April 1-9, Akwa Ibom State is putting everything in place to ensure a seamless event.
Elder Paul Bassey, the Commissioner for Sports, recently conducted an extensive inspection of key sporting facilities across the state. With over 3,000 athletes from the nine Niger Delta States set to participate, the inspection aimed to ensure the readiness of the venues for the festival.
During his visit, the Commissioner toured the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC) in Ikot Ada Idem, where he was guided by the Chairman of the Governing Council, Chief Churchill Udoh, and the Rector, Professor Enoidem Usoroh.
Among the facilities reviewed were the football field, tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts, as well as the medical centre, hostels for both male and female athletes, the indoor sports hall, and the auditorium.
Medical center at the DASAC.
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Bassey expressed gratitude to Governor Umo Eno for approving Akwa Ibom as the host state for the event, noting that it would provide an excellent platform to highlight the state’s achievements in sports infrastructure.
He also praised the high standard of facilities at DASAC, which includes hostels capable of accommodating up to 1,000 athletes, ensuring ample space for the competition’s participants.
The Commissioner also visited the West Itam Sports Centre, where he was briefed by the facility manager, Victor Owokere, about the ongoing rehabilitation work on the handball, basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts.
Basket Ball court at the West Itam Sports Centre.
Owokere raised concerns about the vandalism the facility had faced in the past and called for enhanced security to safeguard the centre following the completion of repairs.
Elder Bassey condemned the vandalism of public infrastructure and the unauthorized use of sports facilities, announcing plans to create a Stadium Management Committee.
