AKWA IBOM SPORTS FESTIVAL: GOV ENO NURTURING TALENTS, PROMOTING TOURISM
By Emma Akpabio
The 2025 edition of Akwa Ibom Sports festival has once again placed the state at the forefront of grassroots sports development in Nigeria, with Governor Umo Eno reaffirming his administration’s commitment to nurturing talents while boosting tourism and local economic growth.
The week-long festival, which kicked off at the Uyo Township Stadium on Monday September 7, marks a significant expansion in scope with more than 3,000 athletes competing in 18 sporting activities including football, wrestling, table tennis, swimming, judo and cricket.
Other sports hosted across designated venues like Godswill Akpabio’s stadium, Arise Resort, Tower of invory school, Eket Stadium, Aka Community amongst others include; Kung fu, Karate, boxing, Taekwondo, weightlifting, chess, scrabble and Ayo.
Speaking at the opening ceremonies of the State sports festival code named Ibom 2025, Governor Umo Eno who spoke through his deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, reiterated the role of sports as a vehicle for youth empowerment, social cohesion and economic development. He described the festival as a platform to discover the next generation of national and international champions.
Beyond this declaration, sports development under the administration of Governor Umo Eno has evolved from a ceremonial event into a structured talent discovery program with scouts from national and international stages relocating to Akwa Ibom to spot export-quality talents.
In line with his ARISE agenda, Governor Eno since assuming office two years ago, have not only initiated various sports development program but has been intentional in showcasing Akwa Ibom as a prime destination for sports tourism in Nigeria.
Notable imprints of Governor Eno just within two years in office include:
- Establishment of Ministry of sports as a standalone ministry against what previously existed as Ministry of youths and Sports
- Proper maintenance of the Godswill Akpabio Stadium which has remained the home of the super eagles and other sporting facilities like Uyo and Town township stadiums built by his predecessors
- Establishment of a 9-hole golf course within the Arise Resort to complement the golf course at Ibom icon and golf resort.
- Establishment of a multiple sports complex at Arise Resort.
- Approval of over 300 million naira for the procurement of new sports equipment for the first time in 14 years.
- Revival of a Long forgotten Governor’s Cup in 2023 which saw to the discovery of over 15 talents now doing excellently well for different national and international football clubs.
- Successful sponsorship of Akwa Ibom contingents to National Sports festival in Abeokuta where the state finished among the best on the medal table.
- Approval for the construction of a multi-purpose sports and educational facility called Arise Sports Academy in Eket
•Sponsoring and Supporting several sons and daughters of Akwa Ibom to make exploits in their different sporting endeavours.
Speaking on the economic importance of the sports festival and Governor Eno’s vision for the sports sub sector, the State commissioner for information Mr Aniekan Umanah said the festival has attracted visitors and vendors across Nigeria, giving boosts to local businesses.
“Governor Eno’s investment in sports is already yielding results. Since weekend where the super eagles hosted Rwanda to a football match, hotels and airlines in Uyo and surrounding areas reported full bookings while food vendors thrive.”
On his part, the commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey described the Akwa Ibom State sports festival as the beginning of the story of a state ready to host, compete and welcome the world.
As the festival commences, the spirit of unity, competition and celebration has been palpable. The week-long event is another testament to the fact that Akwa Ibom is not only about oil, it’s Nigeria’s destination for culture, aviation, hospitality and sport tourism .
