By Patrick Titus, Uyo
Ibom Air has been unveiled as the official shirt sponsors of Akwa United FC of Uyo. The sponsorship deal, valued at ₦200,000,000 for an initial two-year term, includes both cash and in-kind contributions, with 50% of the total value provided in kind.
The sponsorship deal was jointly signed at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Thursday, by the Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, Mr. George Uries, CEO of Ibom Air, for the Company and Chairman of Akwa Utd FC, Mr. Joseph Eno signed for the Club.
It was described as a landmark partnership, marking a significant milestone for sports and private sector collaboration in Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking at the event, Mr. George Uriesi, described the partnership as a reflection of the airline’s commitment to supporting 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 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,” Mr Uriesi said.
Uriesi emphasized that the partnership demonstrated Ibom Air’s belief in the unifying power of sports to inspire youth and foster state pride.
Mr. Joseph Eno, Chairman of Akwa United, expressed appreciation to Ibom Air for its timely support.
“This partnership comes at a crucial moment as we rebuild and working to return to our best form. 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 acknowledged.
In his remarks, Elder Paul Bassey, Commissioner for Sports, commended the collaboration as a fulfillment of the state’s long-term vision for sports development.
“I am delighted to witness this partnership finally becomes reality. I have always envisioned a day when Ibom Air and Akwa United would come together in true partnership. This aligns perfectly with the ARISE Agenda of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, which promotes private sector involvement in sports.
“With this partnership, we are not only supporting our club but also laying the foundation for local sports to compete with global standards. I am confident this collaboration will bring great success to both Akwa United and Ibom Air,” Bassey noted.
The ceremony which also featured the unveiling of Akwa United’s new jersey, the inauguration of key working committees, attracted key stakeholders from the sports community, government officials and media representatives.
Ibom Airlines Limited is a limited liability company wholly owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government. The airline is committed to providing exceptional service defined by schedule reliability, on-time departures and excellent customer experience.
Ibom Air operates a fleet of seven Bombardier CRJ 900 aircrafts and two Airbus A220-300s, serving seven domestic destinations as well as Accra, Ghana.
About Akwa United Football Club, winners of the 2021 Nigerian Premier Football League and two-time FA Cup champions (2015 and 2017), have represented Nigeria in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.
Founded as Ibom Stars FC in 1997 and later rebranded as Akwa United FC, the club is owned and funded by the Akwa Ibom State Government and plays its home matches in Uyo.
