The Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Pastor Umo Eno, has received players and officials of Ibom Angels Football Club following their victorious outing in the women’s second division football league championship which came to an end in Calabar on Sunday.
Ibom Angels secured one of two promotion tickets to the top flight of women’s league football in the country – NWFL, by beating Osun Babes of Osogbo 2-0 in a semi-final play-off in front of a capacity crowd at the U. J. Esuene stadium.
Speaking at a brief but colourful reception at Uyo township stadium, Monday, to herald the return to base of the victorious ladies, the Governor described the ladies as true ambassadors of his ARISE agenda.
Represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Sir Monday Uko, Governor Umo noted that his administration will continue to place a premium on the development of youths of the state with a view to making them independent, resourceful and productive.
“I am glad that you heeded our clarion call by arising to your full potential to secure an achievement which, today, has put smiles on the faces of our people and has brought tremendous honour to our state.” Mr Uko said.
He added, “Tomorrow, we will be inaugurating a 5,000-job scheme for some of our vulnerable youths, and that is just an indication of how seriously we take matters that have to do with our youths.”
The Governor made a cash donation and other incentives to the team, and tasked them with maintaining the winning momentum when the 2024/2025 NWFL gets underway.
Responding, the Head Coach – Mr Edwin Okon, and captain – Abasiofon Uwah, both thanked the Governor for continuing to sponsor them despite the economically challenging times the country is facing and expressed appreciation for the huge cash and material donations that the Governor has made to them. They pledged to continue to work hard in order to bring further glory to the state.
Others who graced the occasion include the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Lady Rose Bassey, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Matters, Mr Iniobong Akpan, Director of Sports, Mrs Brigid Otton, Chairman of AKSFA, Mr Samuel Umoh, among others.
Story written by Edidiong Stephen
