The Nigeria Rowing, Canoeing and Sailing Federation has launched the Ibom Rowing, Canoeing, & Sailing Club at the Marina Waterfront of the 5 Star Ibom Hotels in Uruan LGA of Akwa Ibom State which was the venue of the competition during the closing ceremony of the Canoeing championship of the first Niger Delta Sports Festival held in Uyo the Akwa Ibom State capital from 2nd – 9th April, 2025.
With the growing global interest in recreational and competitive water sports, it will serve as a hub to develop other canoeing clubs in the state.
Rowing, Canoeing, & Sailing are excellent water sports that promote physical fitness, team work and environmental appreciation. The club will provide a structured platform for development and harnessing of our cultural lifestyle.
During the launch which was presided over by the Federation President, Rear Admiral Festus Porbeni rtd, Secretary General Olubunmi Ola Oluode, Technical Director Mr Ebenezer Ayomide Bello, who is also the African number 1, world number 8 and two times Olympian, and Mr King Okon the Sports consultant and the Club Promoter.
The Local Government Chairman of Uruan LGA, ably represented by Comrade Liberty Usanga, was on hand to receive his guest. Also present to grace the occasion was the Director of Sports of Bayelsa State, Sir Braveman Wodi, Rivers State Head of Delegation, Mr Gabriel Opuona who alongside Obong Ntiense Williams popularly known as Mr Rugby also represented the Sports Coaches Association of Nigeria, SCAN!
It was a thing of pride to also honour the occasion with the presence of the first female architect in Akwa Ibom State, Arc. Mrs Dorothy Ekanem and Mrs Eme Essien.
Meanwhile in support of the beautiful initiative of launching the Ibom Club, the President of the Sports Coaches Association of Nigeria, Mr. Gabriel Opuona thanked the President of the Federation for the kind gesture to develop the Sports in the locality and offered to make Rowing, Canoeing, & Sailing their first beneficiary of a Coaching Training Program in Nigeria on behalf of the Coach’s Association of Nigeria.
