Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has received the Torch of Unity for the 2026 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to sports development and youth empowerment.
Governor Umo Eno received the torch on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the Governor’s Office Complex in Uyo, as activities began ahead of the second edition of the state sports festival.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Governor described sports as a “multi-billion-dollar industry” and said his administration was determined to equip young people with the skills and opportunities needed to benefit from the sector.
According to him, the annual state sports festival represents a major milestone in the development of sports in Akwa Ibom, particularly in the discovery and nurturing of talents at the grassroots.
“Last year, we held the Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival as part of the development of youths and sports in our State, as encapsulated in the ARISE Agenda.
“The results of this event have been impressive and heartwarming, as several quality sports talents among our youths have been discovered to represent even the country in international sports tournaments,” he said.
Governor Eno said the maiden edition of the festival was a significant moment in the development of sports in the state, as it provided a platform for talented athletes from the grassroots to be discovered, groomed and prepared for national and international competitions.
He recalled that at the recently concluded Niger Delta Games in Benin City, Akwa Ibom emerged as one of the standout states, winning 16 gold, 17 silver and 22 bronze medals.
The Governor also noted that athletes from the state had represented Nigeria in national and international competitions across various sporting disciplines, including judo, wrestling, athletics and weightlifting.
“Just recently, the State made history by providing three athletes in the country’s contingent to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, and they all came back with medals. Edidiong Umofia won gold in weightlifting, Ruth Nyong won silver in weightlifting, while Enku Ekuta won bronze in judo,” he said.
In recognition of their achievements, Governor Eno directed the immediate employment of the three Commonwealth Games medalists into the State’s Ministry of Sports Development, saying the gesture would enable them to continue their careers while being groomed for greater accomplishments.
The beneficiaries are Edidiong Umoafia, Ruth Nyong and Enku Ekuta.
Governor Eno also commended the Commissioner for Sports Development, Elder Paul Bassey, and members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the State Sports Festival for their efforts in promoting sports development in the state.
Speaking with journalists after the event, Elder Bassey expressed appreciation to Governor Eno for what he described as his remarkable investment in sports and youth development.
He said Akwa Ibom had continued to carve a niche for itself in Nigeria’s sports history through the discovery, nurturing and promotion of sporting talents.
Elder Bassey disclosed that the event marked the commencement of the second edition of the Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival, following the success of the maiden edition held in 2025.
He commended the Governor’s sports development initiative, saying it had provided opportunities for grassroots talents to be discovered, nurtured and exposed to competitive sports, thereby positioning the state for greater prominence.
The 2026 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival is scheduled to officially open on Tuesday, September 22, and end on Sunday, September 27.
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