Paul Bassey Endorses AKISEMSAS/AKSFA Medical Emergency Sensitisation Outreach
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Jeff Onuegbu
UYO, Akwa Ibom State — Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, has endorsed the planned sensitisation outreach by the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance Systems (AKISEMSAS) in partnership with the Akwa Ibom State Football Association (AKSFA).
Bassey gave the endorsement on Monday, August 24, 2026, when the leadership of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association and other football stakeholders visited his office in Uyo.
The one-day sensitisation programme, which is aimed at football stakeholders across the state, is scheduled for Wednesday, August 26, at 9:00 a.m. at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association, Mr Samuel Umoh, said the delegation was at the Commissioner’s office to brief him on the recently conducted draws for the Troost-Ekong Foundation Secondary Schools Football Tournament.
Umoh also formally invited the Commissioner to the sensitisation programme, noting that effective emergency medical response is essential to the safety of players, officials and other participants during football matches.
He disclosed that AKSFA and AKISEMSAS had entered into a partnership to provide emergency medical support during competitions and other activities organised by the Football Association and its affiliates.
According to him, the sensitisation outreach will serve as the first major activity under the partnership and will focus on equipping football stakeholders with the knowledge required to respond appropriately to medical emergencies during matches.
The Sports Commissioner commended Governor Umo Eno for establishing the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance Systems, saying the service had contributed significantly to emergency response across the state.
Bassey also praised the Football Association for partnering with AKISEMSAS, describing the initiative as an important step towards strengthening safety measures in football.
He endorsed the programme and confirmed his attendance, while urging football stakeholders to participate in the sensitisation exercise.
The Commissioner said knowledge of emergency response should not be limited to medical personnel, stressing that everyone involved in football has a role to play when emergencies occur.
Bassey further expressed satisfaction with the existing relationship between the Ministry of Sports and AKSFA, saying sustained cooperation between both institutions would contribute to the development of sports in the state.
He also acknowledged the information presented on the Troost-Ekong Foundation Secondary Schools Football Tournament and reaffirmed his earlier commitment to attend its grand finale.
The delegation included the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association, Elder Joseph Bassey, leaders of the Akwa Ibom State Referees Council, members of the AKSFA board, match commissioners and other football stakeholders.
The AKISEMSAS/AKSFA sensitisation outreach is expected to improve awareness and preparedness for medical emergencies among football stakeholders across Akwa Ibom State.
