Akwa Ibom Athletes embark on National Sports Festival
As the 22nd National Sports Festival themed Gateway Games kicks off in Ogun State, Team Akwa Ibom departs not just as a group of competitors, but as ambassadors of integrity under the firm directive of their Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.
Rather than hype or medal counts, the Governor’s message delivered via Sports Commissioner Elder Paul Bassey was clear and values-driven: win with pride or don’t win at all.
“We would rather have ten gold medals with pride than witness indiscipline and any actions that bring shame,” Governor Eno emphasized, setting the tone for what he expects from his 359 athletes and 111 officials.
From the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, where the team was camped ahead of departure, the message remained consistent represent Akwa Ibom with honor, discipline, and sportsmanship.
Clad in vibrant green and orange, Team Akwa Ibom heads into competition across 23 different sports, against contenders from every Nigerian state and the FCT. But for this team, success won’t be measured solely by podium finishes it will be judged by the character displayed on and off the field.
As the Festival opens at the MKO Abiola International Stadium and venues across Ogun, all eyes will be on athletes chasing dreams. But for Akwa Ibom, the mission is bigger than medals it’s about building a legacy of clean competition, unity, and dignity.
