Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival Begins As Governor Eno Calls For Fair Play
The 2026 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival has officially begun, with Governor Umo Eno calling on athletes from the 31 Local Government Areas to compete fairly and make the most of the opportunity.
Governor Eno, represented by his Deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, declared the second edition of the festival open on Tuesday, September 22, at the Uyo Township Stadium.
The Governor said the festival was important to his administration because of its role in discovering young talents, developing athletes and giving youths the opportunity to compete at a higher level.
He said the success of the first edition had already produced positive results, with several Akwa Ibom athletes going on to win medals at national, African and international competitions.
Among those mentioned were Edidiong Umoafia and Ruth Nyong, who excelled in weightlifting, Enku Ekuta in judo, Jacinta Lawrence in athletics and Samuel Cosmos at the NDDC Games.
Governor Eno also announced plans to revive inter-house sports in schools and colleges across the state.
He said construction work would soon begin fully at the State Sports Academy in Eket, describing the project as a legacy that would help develop athletes discovered through competitions such as the state sports festival.
The Governor also praised Local Government Chairmen and Supervisors of Sports for supporting the festival, particularly during the Unity Torch relay across the 31 LGAs.
He urged all participants to uphold the spirit of unity and sportsmanship throughout the competition.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Sports and Chairman of the Interministerial Organising Committee, Elder Paul Bassey, thanked Governor Eno for his investment in sports development.
He highlighted the creation of a standalone Ministry of Sports, provision of sporting equipment, rewards and allowances for medal-winning athletes, as well as the employment of three outstanding athletes: Edidiong Umoafia, Ruth Nyong and Enku Ekuta.
Bassey expressed confidence that the 2026 festival would help discover more talents and further improve sports in Akwa Ibom State.
The opening ceremony also featured the Oath of Allegiance by athletes and officials, goodwill messages from ALGON and Supervisors of Sports, and a colourful march past by contingents from all 31 Local Government Areas.
The festival will bring together athletes competing across various sporting disciplines as Akwa Ibom continues its search for the next generation of sporting talents.
