An ultra-modern sports centre has been completed and inaugurated at West Itam Secondary School in Itu Local Government Area by the state Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel.
This is in fulfillment of the promise by the governor to reinvent school sports that had produced super stars that brought honour to the state in the past.
To achieve this, the government will establish sports centres in all ten federal constituencies for talent hunt at the primary and post primary schools.
Speaking at the inauguration of the ultra-modern centre at West Itam Secondary School, the Transition Committee Chairman for Itu Local Government Area, Mr Okon Etim Okon told the governor that the people of Itu are happy with the sports centre assuring him of continued support throughout his tenure.
“We vividly remember so many things you have done for us in terms of development, human capacity and for giving us a sense of belonging in the comity of other local government areas. We are here to say thank you again for giving us such an edifice that will give Itu a pride of place as a gateway local government area.”
Similarly, the host community of West Itam Secondary School also appreciated the governor for citing the ultra-modern sports facility in their domain after the Ibom Specialists hospital noting that, though the country is witnessing a down turn in revenue, the governor has put his financial ingenuity to use as he takes the state economy beyond oil to other sectors including sports.
Also speaking, the member representing Itu/Ibiono federal constituency, Dr Henry Archibong and the Senator representing Uyo senatorial district, Obong Bassey Albert all commended the governor for actualizing the dream of an ultra-modern sports centres and assured him of their support and cooperation in the years ahead as well as protect the facilities at the sport centre.
Addressing the people shortly before cutting the tape, the governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel said the vision for setting up a world class sport facilities was to produce more world champions, Olympic gold medalists in table tennis, long tennis, handball, volley ball, basketball, football, and field and tract event.
“The facilities we have here are all world class; I want to challenge our students and pupils that we will provide similar facilities in all the federal constituencies in the state.”
The Governor paid special tribute to a renowned sports journalist, Paul Bassey, for his interest in sports development saying that no matter how bias a national coach could be, he cannot ignore excellence as we will be produced from Akwa Ibom in the nearest future. He also expressed optimism that soon national Universities game will be coming to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
