By Dianabasi Effiong
A partnership agreement, worth about N200 million, that will ensure that Ibom Air, the Akwa Ibom State-owned airline, became the official sponsor of Akwa United Football Club, was unveiled on Thursday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
The State Commissioner for Sports, Etubom Paul Bassey, who represented the state government at the ceremony, expressed delight at the realisation of the partnership.
He said, “I am delighted to witness this partnership finally become a reality. I have always envisioned a day when Ibom Air and Akwa United would come together in true partnership.”
According to him, the partnership was in tune with the ARISE Agenda of Gov. Umo Eno, which encourages private sector involvement in sports development in the state.
“This aligns perfectly with the ARISE Agenda of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, which promotes private sector involvement in sports,” Bassey said.
He also expressed the hope that the deal would ensure that sports engagements in the state to continue to meet global standards.
“With this partnership, we are not only supporting our club but also laying the foundation for local sports to compete with global standards,” the commissioner said.
Similarly, the Chairman of Akwa United FC, Joseph Eno, said that the partnership came at the crucial moment when the club was rebuilding to return to its best competitive form for the task ahead.
“The backing from Ibom Air is both strategic and timely. It will boost the morale of our players and technical team. Wearing the logo of such a reputable brand reminds us that we represent excellence, and we must deliver at the highest level,” Eno said.
Also in his speech on the occasion, Mr. George Uriesi, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ibom Air, assured that the partnership reflected the airline’s commitment to support the state through impactful community-focused initiatives.
“At Ibom Air, our core pillars of support are Health, Community Development, Education, and Sports. And what better time than now to invest in sports? Akwa United, a club with a proud championship history, is currently rebuilding.
“Our goal is to support their resurgence, to help them rise again, back to the top of the league and beyond,” Uriesi said.
Also speaking on behalf of Ibom Air, the Group Marketing Manager, Ibom Air, Mrs Aniekan Essienette, said that the airline was committed to raising the state’s flag in partnership with the state’s premier football club
“Just as Akwa United strives to raise the flag of Akwa Ibom high on the football field, Ibom-Air continues to raise that same flag in the skies by staying committed to reliability, on-time departure, and excellent service.
“This has helped us to continue connecting our people to opportunities across Nigeria and beyond.
“The partnership, dubbed ‘We Rise Together,’ is expected to innovate Akwa Ibom’s visibility and legacy, inspiring young people across the state to dream bigger and reach higher.
“Together, we will tell a powerful story of excellence, resilience, and growth,” Essienette said.
The N200 million sponsorship deal, which is for an initial two-year term, includes cash and in-kind contributions, with 50 per cent of the total value provided in kind.
It aims to promote the state’s image, strengthen community pride, and showcase the synergy between two of the state’s most iconic brands.
