Ibom Air has signed a landmark sponsorship deal with Akwa United Football Club, the 2021 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions and two-time FA Cup winners, marking a new chapter in sports and private sector collaboration in Akwa Ibom State.
The agreement, announced today at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, establishes Ibom Air as the Official Sponsor of Akwa United FC. The sponsorship deal is valued at ₦200,000,000 for an initial two-year period and includes both cash and in-kind contributions, with 50 percent of the total value provided in kind. The event attracted key figures from the sports industry, government officials, and media representatives, highlighting the significance of the partnership to the state’s sporting development.
Speaking during the ceremony, Mr. George Uriesi, Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, said the partnership demonstrates the airline’s commitment to community growth through strategic social investments. He explained that Ibom Air’s corporate social responsibility focuses on four key pillars — Health, Community Development, Education, and Sports — and the collaboration with Akwa United aligns perfectly with these values.
“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,” Uriesi stated.
He added that the sponsorship reflects Ibom Air’s belief in the unifying power of sports to inspire young people, promote excellence, and strengthen state pride. According to him, the airline’s involvement goes beyond branding and is aimed at making a real difference in the local sports ecosystem.
Mr. Joseph Eno, Chairman of Akwa United FC, expressed gratitude to Ibom Air for what he described as timely and strategic support. He said the sponsorship will go a long way in boosting team morale and enhancing performance as the club works toward reclaiming its place among Nigeria’s football elite.
“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,” Eno said.
Elder Paul Bassey, Honourable Commissioner for Sports in Akwa Ibom State, praised the collaboration, describing it as a major milestone that aligns with the state’s broader goals for sports development and private sector engagement.
“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,” he said.
Bassey emphasized that the initiative would help raise the standard of local football, encourage corporate investment in sports, and position Akwa United to compete more effectively at the national and international levels. “With this partnership, we are not only supporting our club but 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,” he added.
The ceremony also featured the unveiling of Akwa United’s new jersey, the inauguration of working committees, and interactive sessions with journalists. The partnership is expected to foster brand visibility for Ibom Air while strengthening Akwa United’s operational and competitive capacity in the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Ibom Air, owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government, operates a fleet of seven Bombardier CRJ 900 aircraft and two Airbus A220-300s. The airline serves seven domestic destinations in Nigeria as well as Accra, Ghana, offering reliable flight schedules, on-time departures, and quality service. More information on routes and services is available at www.ibomair.com.
Akwa United Football Club, founded in 1997 as Ibom Stars FC and later rebranded, is also owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government. The team has made a mark in Nigerian football, winning the NPFL in 2021 and the FA Cup twice in 2015 and 2017. The club has represented Nigeria in both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup and continues to be a source of pride for the people of Akwa Ibom.