A’Ibom new 18,000 seater Eket Stadium ready by May, says commissioner

The Akwa Ibom State Government has assured the people of Eket that the ongoing 18,000-seater ultra modern stadium complex located in their domain will be completed by May 27 this year.

Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Monday Uko, disclosed that the commissioning of the project would be part of the first year anniversary of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s second term in office.

Leading leaders of Eket Council Area, including the Chairman, Frank Archibong, Paramount Ruler Obong Etim Abia, leader of Eket Senatorial District, Nduese Essien, President General of Ekid Peoples Union, Samuel Udonsak and Afigh Iwaad Eket, Godwin William, among others, Udo said Governor Emmanuel was passionate about enhancing sports activities in the state.

He stressed that the stadium, which has a football pitch, tartan tracks, basketball and tennis courts, among others, was being constructed with the best facilities and specifications, adding that its major equipment and facilities were imported from the best producers in the global sports industry.

“As you can see, work in the facility is on course and before the rains begin, we would have been through with the roofing and laying of the turf and tracks.

“The governor has directed us to ensure that we deliver this project on May 27, 2020 and we are bent on ensuring that we do not compromise standards,” he stated.

Uko maintained that in spite of the criticisms, he has remained focused in his assignment to execute a world-class facility in line with the governor’s vision, adding that the best way to answer to such criticisms was to show results.

The Eket leaders, who were shown round the facilities, expressed appreciation to the governor for the project and urged that the stadium be complimented with ancillary facilities around the complex.

Speaking, Archibong noted that he had always been confident of Governor Emmanuel’s sincerity towards the project, adding that he has always visited the site unexpectedly to monitor the quality of work and he has never been disappointed.

“Since the state has more than one football team in the elite division, we would like one of the teams to make Eket its home ground to afford the people access to quality football,” he said.

While conducting the stakeholders round the facility, the commissioner noted that he would also institute sporting activities for school children and youths of the area, saying that the façade, astro turf, tartan tracks and seats were ready for installation.