Senator Ekong Sampson Unity Cup takes shape

Senator Ekong Sampson Unity Cup takes shape

. As Organising Committees hold inaugural meeting

Preparations for the forthcoming Senator Ekong Sampson Unity Cup gathered momentum on Monday as members of the Central and Local Government Organising Committees held their inaugural meeting to fine-tune plans for the successful staging of the grassroots football tournament.

The meeting, which brought together representatives from the various local government areas in the senatorial district, focused on developing a comprehensive framework for the competition, with members deliberating on key operational and administrative issues.

As part of resolutions reached, the committees approved the constitution of critical sub-committees to oversee major aspects of the tournament. These include the Technical Committee, Medical Committee, Media and Publicity Committee, Entertainment and Welfare Committee, and Security Committee.

The committees also proposed Saturday, September 20, 2026 as the tentative date for the opening ceremony, which is expected to hold at the Eket Township Stadium, subject to final approval by the organisers.

Speaking at the meeting, the Tournament Coordinator and National President of GRASOF, Hon. John Ekpenyong, congratulated members of both committees on their nominations, describing them as worthy ambassadors saddled with the responsibility of delivering a credible tournament.

Hon. Ekpenyong paid glowing tributes to the Grand Patron of the tournament, Senator Sampson, representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District in the National Assembly.

He described the Senator as a visionary lawmaker, grassroots mobilizer and passionate advocate for youth development whose outstanding achievements in the National Assembly continue to bring pride to Akwa Ibom South.

"Sir, Senator Ekong Sampson’s unwavering commitment to sports development, youth empowerment, and peaceful coexistence is second to none. Through bills, motions and direct interventions, he has consistently used his position to create opportunities for our youths and to promote unity across our communities," Ekpenyong stated.

"He is a leader of goodwill whose love for the people and dedication to service has earned him the respect and admiration of all. This Unity Cup is a direct reflection of his belief that sports can be used as a veritable tool for talent discovery, engagement and societal cohesion."

The Tournament Technical Director, Coach Udobia Udobia, said the competition is designed to unite communities and also serve as a scouting ground for both foreign and local scouts who are already showing interest in the tournament.

According to him, "The distinguished Senator is a thorough sportsman who understands that football unites people. This platform will give our boys visibility before scouts and agents, while also promoting peace across the 12 LGAs."

Hon. Ekpenyong, in his capacity as National President of GRASOF, also hailed the 12 Local Government Liaison Coordinators for their commitment and early mobilisation efforts.

He noted that the level of interest generated by the tournament across the senatorial district has been massive.

The GRASOF President further recalled that the tournament sponsor, Distinguished Senator Ekong Sampson, during his era as Head of Council, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, sponsored a Unity Cup for the entire state, a gesture that produced talents and fostered unity.

Hon. Ekpenyong tasked all committee members to use the tournament to advance peace across the senatorial district and to protect the interest and goodwill of the sponsor, Distinguished Senator Ekong Sampson.

He expressed confidence in the committees' capacity to deliver a credible and well-organised championship, assuring members of a transparent and level playing field* throughout the competition in line with the Senator’s principles of fairness and equity.

He subsequently directed committee members to return to their respective local government areas to commence immediate mobilisation of stakeholders, participating teams and supporters*, stressing that early grassroots engagement would be crucial to the overall success of the tournament.

The Senator Ekong Sampson Unity Cup is expected to serve as a platform for *discovering young football talents, promoting peaceful coexistence among communities, and strengthening unity across the senatorial district through sports — values that Senator Sampson has championed both in and out of the National Assembly.