Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State has again re-iterated his desire to develop standard sporting facilities that will ensure the grooming and nurturing of budding talents in the state.

He has equally pledged to ensure that an enabling environment is maintained to attract investors and partners for sports development in the State.

Chief Akpabio made this assertion when he received in audience the promoters of the Arsenal Football Club of London and Dan Jan Sports Consult who paid him a visit at government house to commiserate with him on the death of his former commissioner for youth and Sports, Pastor Oyong Asuquo.

Chief Akpabio described the Late Pastor Asuquo as a dynamic and hardworking man, who he related with as a junior brother. Akpabio maintained that Oyong’s relationship with him dates back to 2002 when as commissioner in the State Executive council, he had cause to identify with the sterling qualities of the then Chairman of Oron Local Government .

He maintained that though painful, Pastor Oyong’s unfortunate demise was a bitter lesson that life was rather fragile.

Governor Akpabio pledged to convey the condolences of the visiting sports scions to the immediate family of the late former commissioner, especially his wife and children.

While thanking them for their interest in the development of Sports in the State, Chief Akpabio assured of his support and expressed the hope that youths will benefit immensely from their proposed programme.

Earlier, Mr Mark Ellis, a promoter of Arsenal Football Club of England had expressed the sympathy of the club management with the government of Akwa Ibom State over the death of the former sports commissioner.

Mr Ellis maintained that during their recent brief interaction with Pastor Oyong Asuquo, they saw in him a hardworking and supporting commissioner who guided them through the vision and achievements of Governor Akpabio in Akwa Ibom State, and prayed for the repose of his soul.

Their intention in Akwa Ibom, he said, was to establish a sports academy that will attract national and international attention to the state, not just through football but other sports. Mr Ellis explained that their aim was to mop up the best talents across the world and sought the assistance of the governor to actualize their dream.

The team from Danjan Consult which included Mr David Omigie, Waidi Akanni and Godson Okoye commended Governor Akpabio for his giant strides in Akwa Ibom.