The comprehensive upgrade of the State VIP Box at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar
By Frank Ulom
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Published on August 20, 2026
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3 min read
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Cross River State Chapter, has commended the State government for “remarkable transformation witnessed in the state’s sports sector in recent times.”
In a statement signed by the Association Chapter Chairman, Michael Akpang, SWAN said the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration’s renewed focus on sports development was already yielding visible results in terms of infrastructural upgrade, athlete performance and grassroots engagements
The statement read in part: “As watch-dogs in the sports sector, we have observed deliberate efforts by the current administration to reposition sports as a veritable tool for youth empowerment, talent discovery, and state branding.
“The comprehensive upgrade of the State VIP Box at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar, which has restored dignity to the facility and improved the experience for officials, dignitaries, and stakeholders during sporting events, is laudable.
“The recent qualification of the Cross River State Female Football Team, Pelican Stars, for the Nigeria Women Premier League, NWPL, is a testament to the government’s investments in women’s football and grassroots sports development in the state.”
On performance of athletes, the body noted that there were notable improvements in their performance at the national and regional competitions, “including the last edition of the Niger Delta Games in Benin City, where Cross River State made a strong showing.”
It further lauded the administration for the successful organization and hosting of a series of competitions in the state including the Queen’s Cup, Veterans Sports Competition, and other age-grade and grassroots tournaments, aimed at talent discovery.
“The state’s emergence as a host center for the recent Nigerian Women Football League, NWFL matches, further places Calabar on the national sports map, while also boosting the local economy.
“The successful hosting of the 2023 South South Zonal Elimination Series for the National Youth Games, which provided a platform for young talents to emerge, was another milage in restoring the state’s image as the hub for sports in the zone,” SWAN submitted.
It however urged the state government “to sustain and improve upon this feat,” noting that “There is need for consistent and improved funding, better welfare for athletes and coaches, early preparation for national events, and the continued upgrade of other sporting facilities across the state.”
The association also called for stronger partnership among the Ministry of Sports, the state’s sports commission and media stakeholders “to properly project Cross River’s sports success stories to the world.”
SWAN reaffirmed its “commitment to continue promoting, reporting, and holding sports administrators and other stakeholders accountable to ensure that sports thrives as a tool for unity, youth development, and economic empowerment in the state.”
