From Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
The foresight of Akwa Ibom State government towards investing in the iconic Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo has paid off after it received the National Sports Summit Award as the state with the Best Sport Infrastructure in Nigeria.
The award was presented in Abuja at a special ceremony endorsed by the Ministry of Youths and Sport.
Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung was represented at award by Director Planning and Strategy, Mrs Hauwa Kulu-Akinyemi. The Hon. Commissioner for Information, Charles Udoh, received the award on behalf of Akwa Ibom State government.
The award was one of the three plaques scooped by the state. The others were Diamond Award for the most comprehensive sports development programme in support of Nigerian youths and the state with the most patriotic and inspirational sports supporters.
The technical consultants which organized the award in collaboration Ministry of Sports, Spring Vision International Koncept, linked the successful Super Eagles World Cup for Russia 2018 to the right atmosphere in Uyo.
Its chairman, Philips Asiegbu said that the atmosphere generated inside the “Nest of the Champions†by supporters inspired the Super Eagles to record emphatic victories over Algeria, Cameroon and Zambia to book their World Cup ticket.
Udoh said the triple awards were clear manifestation of the blueprint by Governor Udom Emmanuel, who places sports in the front burner.
“Now everything we have done has yielded results, including our successful hosting of the Super Eagles World Cup campaign as well having two formidable teams in Akwa United and Ibom Angels in the Nigerian premier league and women super league,†Udoh said.
