Frank Archibong Lauds Governor Umo Eno’s Investment in Sports as Nta Isip Wins 2025 Ikot Ibiok Unity Cup

Frank Archibong Lauds Governor Umo Eno’s Investment in Sports as Nta Isip Wins 2025 Ikot Ibiok Unity Cup

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong, has commended Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, for his massive investment in sports and grassroots development across the state.

Archibong made the commendation on Thursday, January 1, 2026, during the grand finale of the 2025 Ikot Ibiok Unity Cup Football Competition, held at St. Paul Lutheran Primary School, Ikot Ibiok, in Eket Local Government Area.

He described Governor Umo Eno as a passionate lover of sports, noting that this informed his decision to appoint a seasoned sports administrator, Elder Paul Bassey, as Commissioner for Sports.

“Our Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, is a lover of sports. That is why he appointed Elder Paul Bassey to head the Ministry of Sports. Today, we can all see how sports have been re-energised across the state, with community competitions springing up everywhere,” Archibong stated.

He further thanked the Governor for prioritising sports and grassroots development, urging the people to rally support for his re-election in 2027.

“Let me use this opportunity to thank His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, for his tremendous investment in sports. I urge us to support him for the next six years to take sports to even greater heights. Let us not forget that the biggest sports academy in the South-South is located in Eket, courtesy of Pastor Umo Eno,” he added.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Mkpisong Akaniyene Tommey, Executive Chairman of Eket LGA, commended the organisers for a successful competition. He presented a giant gold trophy and cash prizes to the winners, while describing Governor Umo Eno’s contributions to sports as a critical pathway for discovering and nurturing talents across Akwa Ibom State.

In his remarks, Elder Paul Bassey, who performed the ceremonial kick-off, praised the local organising committee for maintaining high standards in officiating and organisation. He announced that the 2026 finals of the Ikot Ibiok Unity Cup would be hosted at the Eket Township Stadium.

Elder Bassey also thanked Governor Umo Eno for the opportunity to serve as Commissioner for Sports, pledging to leverage his wealth of experience to introduce more innovations within the ministry.

At the end of the keenly contested competition, Nsikan Matthew of Idung Akwa emerged as Best Goalkeeper, while Anitie Bassey of Nta Isip won the Highest Goal Scorer award. The Most Valuable Player (MVP) award went to Sunday Emmanuel, also of Nta Isip.

In the final match, Nta Isip village, the home team of Mkpisong Frank Archibong, defeated their arch-rivals Idung Akwa by a lone goal to emerge champions of the 2025 Ikot Ibiok Unity Cup.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of cash prizes, gold trophies, and medals to the winners by Mkpisong Akaniyene Tommey, Elder Paul Bassey, Dr. Nsidibe Akata, Hon. Otobong Bob and Mr Akwaukiriso Akanimo Akpan

The football fiesta attracted an array of dignitaries, including the Executive Chairman of Eket Local Government Council, Hon. Mkpisong Akaniyene Tommey; the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey; Member representing Eket State Constituency, Dr. Nsidibe Akata; Member representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency, Hon. Barr. Otobong Bob; APC Chairman in Eket LGA, Mr. Akwaukiriso Akanimo; and the State Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Ibanga Brownson.

Other dignitaries present were Iwaad Mfon Bassey, Special Assistant to the Governor on Media; Deacon Ama Ukpong; Mr. Jerryz Edoho, Personal Assistant to the Governor on New Media; the Eket Divisional Police Officer, Mr. Sunday Digha; and a former DPO of the division, among others.