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Chairman of Akwa United FC, Mr. Joseph Eno (second left) and Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, Mr. George Uriesi (second right), with the sponsorship agreement. Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey (first left) and Manager, Marketing and Communications, Mrs. Anniekan Essienette (first right), at ceremony, held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
Nigerian airline brand, Ibom Air, based in the Akwa Ibom capital, Uyo, has taken flight in a new direction into Nigeria’s football space with a two-year sponsorship of Akwa United, which campaigns in the second tier Nigeria National League (NNL).
The deal marks a significant milestone for sports and private sector investment in the state as both parties agreed to an initial two-year deal worth N200,000, 000.
Although relegated last term, Akwa United emerged Nigerian champions, in 2021 and Cup winners in 2015 and 2017.
Ibom Air’s Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, George Uriesi, described the deal as the airline’s commitment to making impact in the state with community focused initiatives.
“At Ibom Air, our core pillars of support are Health, Community Development, Education and Sports,” he said. Adding that: “Akwa United is a club with a proud history that’s rebuilding for future success. We’re here to help them rise again — stronger and higher.”
Akwa United Chairman, Mr. Joseph Eno, maintained that sponsorship will strengthen the club’s quest to reclaim its top flight pedigree.
He said: “The backing from Ibom Air is both timely and strategic. It will boost the morale of payers and technical crew.”
Speaking at the event, Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, described the sponsorship as a fulfillment of the state’s long-term vision for sports development under Governor Umo Eno’s administration.
“I am delighted to witness this partnership finally become 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,” Bassey remarked.
Akwa United players modelling the jersey with Ibom Air as front of shirt sponsor
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Ibom Air Brand Impact
For Ibom Air — an airline known for its punctuality, safety, and customer service excellence — the partnership is a powerful brand statement that extends its corporate identity beyond aviation into community development.
About Ibom Air
Ibom Airlines is a limited liability company wholly owned by the Akwa Ibom State government. The airline is committed to providing exceptional service define by schedule reliability, on-time departure and exceptional services.
Ibom Air operates a fleet of seven Bombardier CRJ 900 Aircraft, two Air Bus A220-300s serving seven domestic destinations as well as Accra, Ghana.
About Akwa United
Akwa United Football Club is club based in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. It won its first Nigerian title in 2021 and finished as Cup runners up in 2015 and 2017.
About the writer:
Ojeikere Aikhoje is an expert in Sports Business, who writes on Sports Business, Brand Development, Brand PR, Fan Engagement and Brand Activation.
He also writes on themes such as sponsorship rights, hospitality, industry executive moves, TV ratings, legal cases in sport and major event bidding and hosting.
Aikhoje is the Founder of MatchRoom Football Business Institute.
