Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno received the Unity Torch ahead of the State Sports Festival, planned to hold from September 8 to 13, 2025.
Receiving the symbolic torch at the Government House in 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.
Eno further described sports as a multi-billion dollar global industry, stressing that through it, the State was determined to raise next generation of superstars like William Troost-Ekong, Lionel Messi, Coco Gauff, and their likes to better the fortune of the State and the country at large.
He also reiterated his administration’s drive to realise the vision of a Sports Academy, pledging to continue to invest in sports talent discovery, youth development and transformation of the sports sector,
“Sports development ties directly into Aspiration Two of the ARISE Agenda, reflecting our administration’s passion for youth empowerment, talents discovery, and healthy living.
“To provide a pathway for discovery and growth, Government has approved the establishment of the Ibom Sports Academy in Eket.
“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,” Eno said.
According to him, through the ongoing sports festival, the State was confident to have the first intake that would be admitted into the new Sports Academy.
Noting the theme of the festival; “Nurturing talents, promoting tourism”, Governor Eno said it “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 urged the State contingent to work hard to win, assuring that they will be specially received at the end of the state-wide event by the Government.
The State’s Sports Festival is billed to feature all shades of sports, both indoor and outdoor with 18 sporting events.
