By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State women team, Ibom Angels secured promotion ticket to the top flight of women’s league football in the National Women Football League (NWF), beating Osun Babes of Osogbo 2-0 in a semi-final play-off at the U. J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar in Cross River State.
Excited by their victory, the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno took time out to receive the players and officials in a colourful ceremony in Uyo yesterday.
Governor Eno described the ladies as true ambassadors of ARISE agenda, his government economic development blueprint.
Represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Sir Monday Uko, Governor Umo said that his administration would 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.” Governor Eno 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 announced donations 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 donations given 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.
