Akwa Ibom Gov. Eno Hails Troost- Ekong Over School Football Tournament

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno PhD,has saluted the former Super Eagles Captain, Williams Troost-Ekong,for his contribution in finding and developing young talents in football across the state.
The Governor gave the acclaim on Tuesday, September 1st, during the closing ceremony of the Troost-Ekong Foundation’s Secondary Schools Football Tournament at the Uyo Township Stadium.
While appreciating and congratulating the foundation for a healthy collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Football Association to make the tournament a success, Governor Eno particularly appreciated Troost-Ekong for complementing the development drive of his administration in sports,using his foundation.
Speaking through the Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey,the Governor affirmed with admiration that the Foundation’s initiative aptly aligns with the vision of the government vis-a-vis human development, expressing optimism that it will result in the replication of football stars for the state in the immediate future.
“What you have done is worthwhile. Going to the grassroots to unearth stars is one of the key pillars of the ARISE Agenda of this administration.
“It is not easy to find established stars who excel at international level and look back to appreciate their humble beginnings, return to give back like he has done. He did it last year, he has repeated it ,and am hearing from a family source that he will do it again. I want to say thank you.
“I will be happy to hear in three to four years that these stars,these players who are bound to become internationals were discovered during the Troost-Ekong Foundation’s football competition”, the Governor said.
The Governor went on to applaud the foundation for its consistency as well as the collaboration of the different schools through the State Secondary Education Board. He called on others who have excelled in their different fields to prioritize the act of giving back ,for a massive harvest of stars in the future.
The grand finale which had as part of its high points, medal decoration of dignitaries, sports officials and athletes, including the Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey,culminated in the presentation of trophies to the overall winners of the tournament – Etinan Institute.
The Troost-Ekong Foundation which exists with a mission to empower young people through a combination of football, education, skills development, and community support .
This year,eight secondary schools featured for its football tournament, with Etinan Institute and St.Brian Model College making it to the finals.However, Etinan Institute picked the trophy alongside a 300,000 Naira cash prize following a fantastic only goal by Ukeme Saturday at about 10 minutes to halftime.