The opening ceremony of the 5th Godswill Akpabio Int'l Scrabble Classics was held on the 8th of September 2011 at the Marina Bar of the Le Meridien Ibom Hotels, Uyo Akwa Ibom State. The event started around 8.30 p.m. The Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom His Excellency Obong Godswill Akpabio was represented by the Honorable Commissioner of Sports who welcome all the Scrabble players on behalf of the Governor to the prestigious tournament. Several Akwa Ibam state Ministry of Sports officials, NSF officials and International Scrabble players attended the event. They include the NSF President and his Vice; Engr. Toke Aka and Alh. Suleiman Gora, Akwa Ibom State Scrabble Association Chairman Elder Bob Okoridem, NSF Technical Director Jack Mpakaboari, Welfare Director Faruk Babainna , South West Scrabble Zonal Coordinator Kayode Fashola and International Players Representative Mr Femi Awowade. After the Commissioner of Sports declared the games open players and guests were treated to a sumptuous buffet. There was plenty of time to eat drink and socialize and they have plenty of fun. Several International Scrabble players like Chris Placca who came from Ghana, Sammy Okosagha and Segun Durojaiyewere sighted having fun. The guests and players were later treated to a scintillating display of traditional dance and music by the colourful Akwa Ibom Cultural Troupe.
