Akwa Ibom State-owned carrier Ibom Air has sealed a landmark ₦200 million sponsorship deal with Akwa United Football Club, the 2021 champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), in a move that underscores growing synergy between the state’s corporate and sports sectors.
The agreement, signed on Thursday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, officially designates Ibom Air as the Official Sponsor of Akwa United FC for an initial two-year period.
The deal combines cash and in-kind contributions, with 50 percent of the total value delivered through services. The landmark partnership will strengthen sports development and private sector collaboration in Akwa Ibom.
The event drew key figures from the sports community, government, and media, marking what many described as a “new dawn” for sports-business partnerships in the state.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. George Uriesi, Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, said the sponsorship reflects the airline’s deep-rooted commitment to Akwa Ibom’s development through strategic investments in youth and community empowerment.
“At Ibom Air, our core pillars of social responsibility are Health, Community Development, Education, and Sports,” Mr. Uriesi stated.
“This partnership with Akwa United comes at a time when the club is rebuilding. Our goal is to support their resurgence, to help them rise again to the top of the league and beyond.”
He noted that the initiative demonstrates Ibom Air’s belief in the unifying power of sports to inspire young people and promote state pride.
Chairman of Akwa United FC, Mr. Joseph Eno, expressed profound appreciation to Ibom Air, describing the sponsorship as a morale booster for the team.
“This partnership comes at a crucial stage as we rebuild and work to regain our best form,” he said.
“The support from Ibom Air is not just financial, it’s symbolic. Wearing the logo of a brand known for excellence will motivate our players and technical team to perform at the highest level.”
Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, lauded the collaboration as a fulfillment of Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, which emphasizes private sector involvement in sports development.
“I am delighted to see this partnership finally come to fruition,” Bassey said.
“It aligns perfectly with our vision to elevate sports in Akwa Ibom to global standards.
“With this collaboration, we’re building a sustainable model where the private sector and sports institutions grow together.”
The signing ceremony also featured the unveiling of Akwa United’s new team jersey, the inauguration of working committees, and media interactions that set the tone for the partnership’s rollout.
Observers have hailed the Ibom Air, Akwa United deal as a milestone that could redefine sports sponsorship in Nigeria.
By leveraging corporate partnerships, analysts said, state owned enterprises can help drive sports development, nurture local talent, and strengthen community engagement.
Akwa United, founded in 1997 as Ibom Stars FC and rebranded as Akwa United FC, has won the Nigeria Premier Football League (2021) and two FA Cups (2015, 2017).
It has represented Nigeria in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup, and continues to serve as Akwa Ibom’s flagship football brand in the global sport’s map.
