Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, has officially declared open the 2025 Edition of the State Sports Festival, with the theme ‘Naturing Talents, Promoting Tourism.’
Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of the Festival, held at the Uyo Township Stadium, Uyo, Governor Eno described sports as a multi-billion dollar global industry, noting that the festival is in fulfillment of his campaign promise to invest significantly in sports development, if elected into office.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi, Governor Eno said Akwa Ibom is blessed with many promising athletes waiting to be discovered through the event, disclosing that plans have been cemented for a Sports Academy in Eket to further discover and nurture sports stars.
“This sports festival is aimed at discovering those talents who would eventually fly the flag of our dear state and bring us laurels. For the first time in the history of our dear state, we have created a stand-alone Ministry of Sports, headed by an internationally recognised sporting personality.
“We have approved the establishment of a Sports Academy in Eket and have gone ahead with the purchase of world-class sporting equipment which will help our youth to train, compete and excel at international events. We will deeply deploy resources to the promotion of sports and get our youths ready to compete and conquer the world in various sporting activities”, he said.
While charging the officials and contingents to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship throughout the games, the State Chief Executive said his administration will continue to showcase Akwa Ibom as the destination of choice, through strategic investments in sports, culture and tourism.
“We have also developed sporting facilities including a nine-hole golf course, outdoor and indoor games at our audacious tourism location, the ARISE Park in Uyo, which is billed to open in December.
“To the athletes who will be competing in the 18 games at different locations, I urge you to put your talents and skills on full display. Imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship, build friendship and win laurels for yourself and for the state.”
On his part, the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, who appreciated the Governor for not playing politics with sports development, disclosed that 18 sporting events will be competed for during the festival, assuring that modalities have been put in place to ensure a hitch-free tournament.
Similarly, the Chairman of ALGON, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, who spoke on behalf of other Local Government Chairmen, promised to play active roles in coordinating their respective teams for the success of the festival.
Goodwill messages were also received from the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, represented by the Technical Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Coach Gabriel Okon, as well as the College of Youths and Sports Supervisors in the State.
The Opening Ceremony featured a march-past by local government contingents, while Governor Eno performed the symbolic kickoff of the football match between Ikot Abasi and Uyo Local Government Areas.
