Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has received the unity torch ahead of the State Sports Festival, planned to hold from September 8 to September 13, 2025.
Receiving the symbolic torch at his office complex in Government House, Uyo, Governor Eno described the sports festival as a major avenue for raising sports talents and enhancing the quality of the development of youths in the State.
Governor Eno further described sports as a multi-billion-dollar global industry, stressed that, through it, the State is determined to raise the next generation of superstars like William Troost-Ekong, Lionel Messi, Coco Gauff, and their likes, for the betterment of the State and the country at large.
He reiterated his administration’s drive to realise the vision of a Sports Academy, saying that his administration will continue to invest in discovering sports talents, developing the youth, and transforming the State’s sports sector.
“Sports development ties directly into Aspiration Two of the ARISE Agenda, reflecting our administration’s passion for youth empowerment, talent discovery, and healthy living.
“To provide a pathway for discovery and growth, the Government has approved the establishment of the Ibom Sports Academy in Eket,” he declared.
Speaking further he said, “For the first time in 14 years, we have approved the purchase of modern sports equipment to give our athletes world-class tools to train, compete, and excel. Sports will now be a way of life for our talented youth.”
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The Governor said that through the ongoing sports festival, the State is confident to have the first intake that will be admitted into the new Sports Academy.
“This year’s theme for the festival: “Nurturing talents, promoting tourism” reinforces our vision by positioning sports, not only as a tool for youth development, but also as a driver for economic and tourism growth.”
He revealed that Akwa Ibom which boasts of facilities like the ARISE Resort and a world-class stadium, has steadily evolved into a premium destination for sports tourism in Nigeria and indeed West Africa.
He observed that the festival logo beautifully captures the spirit of unity, strength and youthful energy, adding that the figures in motion represent agility and teamwork and the colours reflect vitality and cultural pride, while the map of Akwa Ibom at the centre symbolises identity, ownership rooted in the people’s heritage.
“As we received the torch today, let it symbolise our collective strength and unity. Let it drive the ” can-do spirit” of our youths, sportsmen and women to greater heights across the 31 Local Government Areas, party lines, gender lines, and ethnic lines. Sports is a barrier breaker and I expect no less as we commence this sports festival this year,” he stated.
While commending the State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, and his team, for the organisation of the event, he said his appointment as Commissioner, especially as an indigene of Eket, will help facilitate the establishment of the sports academy.
The Governor noted that Elder Bassey’s appointment as commissioner was not an Eket slot as members of the State Executive Council were appointed based on competence and capacity, not based on local government of origin.
He, therefore, urged the contingents to work hard to win as they will be specially received at the end of the state-wide event by the Government.
Interacting with Government House Correspondents, the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Bassey revealed that the sports festival is the first-of-its-kind to be held in the state in 18 years, as it incorporates both the young and older athletes, unlike the previous ones that were only held as youth sports festivals.
The State’s Sports Festival is billed to feature all shades of sports, both indoor and outdoor.
On hand to witness the ceremony were the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Coordinator, Office of the State First Lady, Lady Helen Obareki, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, members of the State Executive Council and others.
