As part of of activities to mark this year's 3rd Akpabioism Lecture, 16 ex-Eagles led by Henry Nwosu (MON) have signed to partake in the novelty match billed to take place at Uyo Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on November 24.
Revealing this to newsmen in Lagos during the week, Pastor James Bassey, Chan-cellor of Akpab-ioism Centre for Leadership Develo-pment, said the Akpabioism Lecture is an annual event meant for the promotion and entrenchment of the outstanding leadership qualities of Gov. Godswill Akpabio in the nation's firmament.
According to Pastor Bassey, while the governor himself will captain Team-Akpabio, seasoned footballer and former captain of the Green Eagles, Henry Nwosu, will lead the ex-Eagles in the novelty match. He disclosed that Team Akpabio will feature the State's deputy governor, some governors, the secretary to the state while Etim Esin, Friday Ekpo, Peter Rufai, Victor Ikpeba and Taribo West, among others, will feature for the ex-Eagles.
Speaking on the reason the novelty football match is part of this year's Akpabioism National Lecture, the businessman and pastor remarked that, "Akpabioism in totality is all about good leadership geared towards all round development of the youths.
And, as youth development is a cardinal philosophy of Governor Akpabio, football is an appropriate medium through which this can be achieved.'
He added that, "I am convinced that the youths of the state need good mentorship and bringing these stars of Nigerian football to play in Uyo has the capability of redirecting the aggression and energies of these teeming youths in the state into positive and productive ventures."
Pastor Bassey also informed the press that the novelty match is an integral part of the events scheduled for the official opening of the multi-million-naira Akpabioism Conference Centre.
"The Akpabism Conference Centre which will be a commercial venture will generate money for itself as there is going to be an eatery and hotel. The only thing that will not be commercialized is the Akpabioism Library, because people will come for studies on Governor Akpabio's outstanding philosophy and practical approach to governance.
"When the Centre is completed, our governor will be one of the major speakers. By 2015 when he retires from office we want to give him a place where people can be coming to sit with him and learn about the act of governance like people are learning from other world leaders," he reiterated.
Vanguard Nigeria
Akpabioism they call it, thats a very rare one and funny indeed. Hope they have a good match.