In a bold move that underscores the growing intersection between business and sports development in Akwa Ibom State, Ibom Air has signed a landmark ₦200 million shirt sponsorship deal with Akwa United Football Club — a partnership hailed as a turning point for both the airline and the 2021 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions.
The two-year agreement, unveiled today at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, makes Ibom Air the Official Shirt Sponsor of Akwa United FC.
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The sponsorship, split evenly between cash and in-kind contributions, is expected to breathe fresh life into the club’s rebuilding process while reinforcing the airline’s image as a socially responsible brand deeply invested in community growth.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Mr. George Uriesi, CEO of Ibom Air, described the collaboration as more than a corporate transaction — a strategic investment in youth empowerment and state pride.
“At Ibom Air, our core pillars of support are Health, Community Development, Education, and Sports,” Uriesi said. “Akwa United is a club with a proud history that’s rebuilding for future success. We’re here to help them rise again — stronger and higher.”
For Akwa United Chairman, Mr. Joseph Eno, the partnership couldn’t have come at a better time. He praised Ibom Air’s commitment, noting that the financial and moral support would strengthen the club’s quest to reclaim its championship pedigree.
“This deal arrives at a defining moment for us. Having Ibom Air on our jersey isn’t just sponsorship — it’s a badge of excellence. It motivates our players to live up to the standards of the brand we now represent.”
Elder Paul Bassey, Commissioner for Sports, described the partnership as a fulfillment of the state government’s long-term sports vision under the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno, which promotes private sector participation in sports development.
“This collaboration represents a major leap forward. It aligns perfectly with our goal to build globally competitive sports institutions in Akwa Ibom,” Bassey stated. “It’s a model for how corporate bodies can actively support sports while strengthening their brand impact.”
The ceremony also featured the unveiling of Akwa United’s new home and away jerseys branded with Ibom Air’s logo, the inauguration of working committees to oversee the implementation of the sponsorship, and an interactive media session.
A Partnership Beyond the Pitch
This deal signals a deeper convergence between the private and public sectors in Akwa Ibom, setting a precedent for other state-owned enterprises and corporations to invest in local sports.
For Ibom Air — an airline known for its punctuality, safety, and customer service excellence — the partnership is a powerful brand statement that extends its corporate identity beyond aviation into community development.
Meanwhile, Akwa United, with its decorated history — NPFL champions in 2021 and FA Cup winners in 2015 and 2017 — now embarks on a new chapter fueled by corporate confidence and strategic support.
As both institutions soar toward new horizons, one thing is clear: the Ibom Air–Akwa United alliance is more than a sponsorship; it’s a blueprint for sustainable sports development driven by homegrown partnerships.
