MTN sports tourism in Akwa Ibom gets a boost as Governor Eno pledges full support for the upcoming Champion Sports talent event

The Akwa Ibom State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening MTN sports tourism in Akwa Ibom, as Governor Umo Eno welcomed the telecom giant’s decision to host its Champion Sports event in the state from 29 April to 3 May 2025.

During a courtesy visit by the MTN Nigeria management team on Wednesday, led by Chief Sales and Distribution Officer Mr Sida Adekunle, Governor Eno praised MTN’s investment in youth development and commended the company for choosing Akwa Ibom as the host location.

“We appreciate your choice of Akwa Ibom for this talent hunt. Our administration is dedicated to promoting sports tourism, and we see this as an opportunity to showcase the state’s potential,” Eno stated.

Governor Eno underlined his administration’s broader vision of transforming Akwa Ibom into a tourism and investment hub beyond its traditional oil-based economy.

He identified key growth areas such as sports, agriculture, cultural and medical tourism. He also credited previous administrations for laying a solid infrastructural foundation, citing the state’s extensive road network and Ibom Air as assets that enhance its appeal to visitors and investors alike.

He urged MTN to enhance its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes and use its influential platforms to project the image of Akwa Ibom to national and global audiences.

“Please continue your CSR efforts and help showcase Akwa Ibom alongside MTN. We look forward to deepening our collaboration,” he said.

In his remarks, Mr Adekunle expressed appreciation for the warm reception and praised the governor’s leadership, particularly the implementation of the Arise Agenda, which he described as a catalyst for sports and economic development in the state.

Adekunle lauded the state’s security and infrastructure, and revealed that six of the top 20 athletes from the first edition of the MTN Champion Sports talent competition came from Akwa Ibom—underscoring the state’s wealth of untapped athletic talent.

He sought the government’s continued support for the second edition of the tournament, which is scheduled to take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. He also extended an invitation to Governor Eno to officially flag off the event on 30 April 2025.

MTN’s broader CSR investments, spanning education, healthcare, and youth empowerment, were also highlighted during the visit, reinforcing the telecom company’s role as a key partner in Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

As Akwa Ibom positions itself as a leading sports tourism destination, partnerships like this underscore the state’s readiness to diversify its economy while empowering its youth and showcasing its rich potential to the world.