MFON PATRICK
For emerging the champions of the Nigeria Professional Football League 2020/2021 season, Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has rewarded Akwa United Football Club with the sum of one Hundred Million Naira.
Governor Emmanuel announced the state government’s reward to the team during a grand reception ceremony organised in honour of the team at the banquet hall, government house in Uyo on Thursday 16th December, 2021.
In addition to the cash reward, the state’s Chief Executive also donated plots of land for all members of the victorious team and a brand new 32 seater Coaster bus.
Governor Udom congratulated the team for making the state proud and encouraged them to put in their best to ensure they defend their title in the new football season.
“I just want to say thank you for making the state proud. Becoming champions is a thing of joy to all Akwa Ibomites.Keep that winning flag flying and we will continue to support the team to succeed.
” You have gone to the top, you have to redouble your effort this new season to ensure you remain at the top, once again congratulations for winning the league title”.
Earlier in his remark, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Sir Monday Ebong Uko expressed gratitude to the state government for investing in the growth and development of sports in the state.
Sir Uko maintained that Akwa United’s success in the league was as a result of God’s benevolence and the support of the state government under the leadership of Governor Udom Emmanuel.
In his address, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Udom Emmanuel on Sports and Chairman of Akwa United Football Club Mr Paul Bassey expressed appreciation to the governor for his unflinching resolve to use sports as a development tool to impact on the minds of the youths.
“Chroniclers of history are not fair to Governor Udom Emmanuel when it comes to sports. I can say authoritatively that the greatest accomplishments of this administration is in the area of sports”.
“A little over six years in the saddle, Akwa United established 24 years ago, won three major trophies in 2015, 2017 and the historic league trophy this year 2021.”
” Your Excellency, thank you, your tireless and unrelenting funding of development potential in our youths have in the recent years brought about a total explosion of talents in all the broad fields of sports”.
“The entire Akwa United family is determined to march out and defend the trophy we won last year this coming season”.
In a goodwill message, President of Nigeria Football Federation, Mr Amaju Pinnick thanked the Governor for his contributions to sport development in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria in general.
Mr. Pinnick described the Chairman of Akwa United FC, Mr Bassey as an achiever, a trusted friend, reliable partner and dedicated administrator who has transformed Akwa United into a global brand and a flagship club in Nigeria.
In August, Akwa United won the Nigeria Professional Football League title for the first time in their history after amassing 71 points from 38 games.