Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has acquired the Torch of Unity for the 2026 Akwa Ibom State Sports activities Competition, reaffirming his administration’s dedication to sports activities growth and youth empowerment.
Governor Umo Eno acquired the torch on Thursday, September 10, 2026, on the Governor’s Workplace Complicated in Uyo, as actions started forward of the second version of the state sports activities competition.
Talking throughout the ceremony, the Governor described sports activities as a “multi-billion-dollar business” and mentioned his administration was decided to equip younger individuals with the talents and alternatives wanted to learn from the sector.
In accordance with him, the annual state sports activities competition represents a significant milestone within the growth of sports activities in Akwa Ibom, notably within the discovery and nurturing of abilities on the grassroots.
“Final yr, we held the Akwa Ibom State Sports activities Competition as a part of the event of youths and sports activities in our State, as encapsulated within the ARISE Agenda.
“The outcomes of this occasion have been spectacular and heartwarming, as a number of high quality sports activities abilities amongst our youths have been found to signify even the nation in worldwide sports activities tournaments,” he mentioned.
Governor Eno mentioned the maiden version of the competition was a big second within the growth of sports activities within the state, because it offered a platform for proficient athletes from the grassroots to be found, groomed and ready for nationwide and worldwide competitions.
He recalled that on the just lately concluded Niger Delta Video games in Benin Metropolis, Akwa Ibom emerged as one of many standout states, successful 16 gold, 17 silver and 22 bronze medals.
The Governor additionally famous that athletes from the state had represented Nigeria in nationwide and worldwide competitions throughout numerous sporting disciplines, together with judo, wrestling, athletics and weightlifting.
“Only in the near past, the State made historical past by offering three athletes within the nation’s contingent to the Commonwealth Video games in Glasgow, Scotland, and so they all got here again with medals. Edidiong Umofia received gold in weightlifting, Ruth Nyong received silver in weightlifting, whereas Enku Ekuta received bronze in judo,” he mentioned.
In recognition of their achievements, Governor Eno directed the instant employment of the three Commonwealth Video games medalists into the State’s Ministry of Sports activities Improvement, saying the gesture would allow them to proceed their careers whereas being groomed for better accomplishments.
The beneficiaries are Edidiong Umoafia, Ruth Nyong and Enku Ekuta.
Governor Eno additionally recommended the Commissioner for Sports activities Improvement, Elder Paul Bassey, and members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the State Sports activities Competition for his or her efforts in selling sports activities growth within the state.
Talking with journalists after the occasion, Elder Bassey expressed appreciation to Governor Eno for what he described as his outstanding funding in sports activities and youth growth.
He mentioned Akwa Ibom had continued to carve a distinct segment for itself in Nigeria’s sports activities historical past via the invention, nurturing and promotion of sporting abilities.
Elder Bassey disclosed that the occasion marked the graduation of the second version of the Akwa Ibom State Sports activities Competition, following the success of the maiden version held in 2025.
He recommended the Governor’s sports activities growth initiative, saying it had offered alternatives for grassroots abilities to be found, nurtured and uncovered to aggressive sports activities, thereby positioning the state for better prominence.
The 2026 Akwa Ibom State Sports activities Competition is scheduled to formally open on Tuesday, September 22, and finish on Sunday, September 27.
