Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, has redeemed the N65 million pledge he made to the players, management and staff of Akwa United Football Club who won the 2015 Federation Cup.
The state’s Commissioner for Sports, Mr. Monday Uko, who presented the cheques on Friday to the players in his office, expressed appreciation to the governor for keeping to his promise in spite of the financial difficulties facing the state.
“We must thank Governor Udom Emmanuel for redeeming his promise as a promise keeper. We owe him a debt of gratitude for his keen interest in the affairs of Akwa United FC,” the commissioner said.
He also called on the players to reciprocate the good gesture of the governor by ensuring that they made the state proud in future competitions.
Our correspondent reports that Mr. Nse Ube, former chairman of the club, received a cheque of N2 million, 34 players received amount ranging between N500,000 and N1.8 million while the least among the staff received a cheque of N100, 000.
Nse Ube, who spoke on behalf of the club thanked the governor and the people of Akwa Ibom State for redeeming the pledge.
He added that “it takes only a man of good intention to make a promise and keep to it.”
He attributed the Federation Cup victory of 2015 to God’s favour and grace and commended the players for their support and commitment in winning the trophy.
The Next Edition recalled that payment was delayed for almost two years following disagreement among the team members on the sharing formula.