Ibom Air, Akwa United Football Club sign strategic partnership

…Ibom Air becomes official shirt sponsor of Akwa United FC

Etim Ekpimah

Ibom Air and Akwa United Football Club have entered into a landmark partnership. Akwa United is the 2021 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Champions and two-time FA Cup winners. This partnership marks a significant milestone for sports and private sector collaboration in Akwa Ibom State.

Today, an agreement was signed at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. Under this agreement, Ibom Air becomes the Official Shirt Sponsor of Akwa United FC. The sponsorship deal is valued at Two Hundred Million Naira (₦200,000,000) for an initial two-year term. It includes both cash and in-kind contributions, with 50 per cent of the total value provided in kind.

The signing ceremony and press briefing attracted key stakeholders from the sports community, government officials, and media representatives.

Speaking at the event, Mr George Uriesi, CEO of Ibom Air, described the partnership as reflecting 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 a 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 further emphasised that the partnership demonstrates Ibom Air’s belief in the unifying power of sports to inspire youth and foster state pride.

Mr Joseph Eno, Chairman of Akwa United FC, expressed deep appreciation to Ibom Air for its timely support.

“This partnership comes at a crucial moment as we rebuild and work 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.”

In his remarks, Elder Paul Bassey, Honourable Commissioner for Sports, commended the collaboration as a fulfilment of the state’s long-term vision for sports development.

“I am delighted to witness this partnership finally become a 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 supporting our club. We are 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.”

The ceremony also featured the unveiling of Akwa United’s new jersey, the inauguration of key working committees, and interactive sessions with the media.

About Ibom Air

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 CRJ900 aircraft and two Airbus A220-300s, serving seven domestic destinations, as well as Accra, Ghana.

About Akwa United Football Club

Akwa United FC, winners of the 2021 Nigeria Premier Football League and two-time FA Cup champions (2015, 2017), has 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.