Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in sports as a major driver of youth empowerment, talent development and economic growth.
Eno stated this on Thursday while receiving the Unity Torch for the 2026 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival at the Governor’s Office Complex in Uyo.
The governor described sports as a multi-billion-dollar industry with enormous opportunities for young people, assuring that his administration would continue to provide the infrastructure, training and support needed to harness the sector’s economic potential.
He said the annual State Sports Festival had become an important platform for identifying and nurturing talents at the grassroots, adding that achievements recorded after the maiden edition in 2025 justified sustained investment in the sector.
“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,” Eno said.
The governor highlighted Akwa Ibom’s performance at the Niger Delta Games in Benin City, where the state won 16 gold, 17 silver and 22 bronze medals.
He also praised athletes from the state who have represented Nigeria in judo, wrestling, athletics and weightlifting at national and international competitions.
Eno said Akwa Ibom recently produced three athletes for Nigeria at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, with all three winning medals.
He identified them as Edidiong Umofia, who won gold in weightlifting; Ruth Nyong, silver in weightlifting; and Enku Ekuta, bronze in judo.
In recognition of their achievements, the governor directed the immediate employment of the three medalists into the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Sports Development.
According to him, the employment will provide the athletes with additional support to continue their sporting careers and pursue greater achievements.
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 contributions to sports development.
Speaking after the ceremony, Bassey thanked the governor for his sustained investment in sports and youth development.
He said the 2026 festival, the second edition following the maiden event in 2025, would provide another opportunity to discover and develop young athletes across the state.
Bassey expressed confidence that continued investment in grassroots sports would strengthen Akwa Ibom’s position as a major sporting destination and produce more athletes capable of representing Nigeria internationally.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno-Obareki; Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; Head of the Civil Service, Mrs Elsie Peters; members of the State Executive Council and other government officials.
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