Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, has commended the state owned Nigeria Professional Football League side, Akwa United FC for changing its jersey colour to Orange in the spirit of Dakkada.
Speaking when he received an update on the preparedness of the team for the new NPFL season from the state’s Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Monday Uko and the club Chairman, Mr Paul Bassey, in Uyo yesterday, Gov Udom said the change of colour was sign that the team has imbibed the new order of transformation and spiritual rebirth.
“Akwa United must rise up to the faith of greatness as true representatives of the Akwa Ibom People. I welcome whole heartedly your decision to change the jersey to the state colour of orange in the true spirit of Dakkada. This is the new order and as Dakkada Ambassadors you should traverse the length and breadth of this country propagating the moral transformation and spiritual rebirth that is now the hall mark of our great state,” stressed the governor at the brief ceremony.
Udom also noted that Akwa United as the sports flag ship of the state, it is also what unites all Akwa Ibomites. “It is what unites us. It cuts through all barriers including political and we must therefore ensure that we keep the flag flying anywhere we go to.”
He promised to get a new bus for the team, “since air travel which was such a credible option has become very unreliable we will do everything in our power to support you. Just go ahead and win your matches home and away.”
Presented with the new club jersey, the Governor promised to watch live more Akwa United matches this year.
Mr Bassey assured the governor that the team was set to make the state proud by not only going back to Africa but ensuring that they stay there.
“Your Excellency, we believe we have one of the best coaches in the land in the person of Abdu Maikaba and we have also signed some credible and tested players who can hold their own in the league.
“We believe the league will be tough this year especially as regards the wear and tear on the road given the addition of two clubs from the far north and the number of mid week matches that have been introduced as the League Management Company is determined to end the season by July to align with the European Calendar yet we share the binding faith that with God all things are possible,” observed the veteran sports journalist who is also a respected CAF match commissioner.
The state sports Commissioner Sir Monday Uko thanked the Governor for his love for sports and the emancipation of the youths in the state. He promised that everything will be done to justify the confidence and resources that have been expended to give the youths of the state a credible platform to excel up to international level.
“Your Excellency we will justify the confidence that the Governor and indeed all good people of Akwa Ibom state have reposed in Akwa United and indeed all other football clubs and sports outfits in the state” He said
In another development the state Information and strategy commissioner Mr Charles Udoh who paid a surprise visit to the team’s training session at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium said he had come to assure them of the decision of his ministry to throw its weight behind the team.
“I assure you that we will deploy all our agencies in making sure that you get adequate publicity and exposure that will guarantee support from our people especially on match days.
“Just go ahead and excel and leave the trumpeting to us,” he concluded.
