Governor Umo Eno Hosts Super Eagles Captain Troost-Ekong, Unveils Plans for State Sports Festival
Days after the final of his U-15 Boys tournament, Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong was hosted by Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced plans to organise a State Sports Festival as part of efforts to identify young talents and promote sports development across the state.
Governor Eno made this known while hosting Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong and Olympian Idara Otu, along with their families, to a special dinner at the Government House Lodge in Uyo.
He said the dinner was in honour of the athletes, who have proudly showcased Akwa Ibom to the world through their sporting excellence and dedication.
“Tonight is a simple yet important way to show how much we value your efforts in projecting Akwa Ibom globally. You are not just sports stars; you are ambassadors of our culture and values,” the Governor said.
The Governor stated that sports development remains a key priority under his administration’s ARISE Agenda. He revealed that plans were underway to launch a sports festival, alongside the establishment of a new sports academy, a 9-hole golf course, and other world-class facilities at the ARISE Resort, all aimed at nurturing talents and boosting sports tourism.
Governor Eno also highlighted that Akwa Ibom is home to the only FIFA-approved football pitch in Nigeria and a standard Olympic-size swimming pool, noting that the state’s strong sports infrastructure places it in a prime position for national and international sporting events.
He praised Troost-Ekong for his contributions to youth development through the Troost Ekong Foundation, particularly his ongoing talent hunt aimed at empowering young Nigerians through football and education.
“I appreciate your commitment to giving back. With continued support from successful sons and daughters of the state, we can discover more talents and shape the future of sports in Akwa Ibom,” he said.
In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, applauded the Governor’s passion and investment in reviving sports, describing the dinner as a clear demonstration of the administration’s appreciation for excellence.
Troost-Ekong, who plays for Saudi club Al-Kholood, expressed gratitude to the Governor for the warm reception and praised his leadership, vision, and development strides in the state.
Also honoured was Idara Otu, a Nigerian Olympic sprinter and Stanford University alumna, who represented Nigeria in the 4x400m relay at the London 2012 Summer Olympics.
The event was attended by top government officials including the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno-Obareki; Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; Executive Assistant/Chief Delivery Advisor, Mr Aniefiok Johnson; Dean of the College of Commissioners, Hon Frank Archibong; and former Youth and Sports Commissioner, Sir Monday Uko, among others.
