Sports
Umo Eno Champions Sports Festival to Empower Akwa Ibom Youths
Published
2 months agoon

Umo Eno champions sports festival in Akwa Ibom to empower youths, discover talents, create jobs, and promote tourism through Ibom 2025 Sports Festival
Governor Umo Eno champions sports festival as a transformative platform for youth empowerment, talent discovery, job creation, and tourism promotion, reaffirming his administration’s vision at the grand opening of the 2025 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival in Uyo.
Also read:Akara Festival Nigeria Partners Brazil’s Acarajé to Promote Culture
Held at the Uyo Township Stadium, the vibrant event themed “Nurturing Talents, Promoting Tourism” brought together contingents from all 31 Local Government Areas in a colourful display of unity, culture, and competition.
The ceremony featured a symbolic torch-lighting, live music, and an energetic march-past of athletes.
Represented by Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Eno described the festival as a fulfilled campaign promise to elevate sports development and position Akwa Ibom’s youth for global sporting excellence.
“Sports today is a multi-billion-dollar global industry, and we must discover new talents, grow and expose them to the right opportunities,” Eno said.
He cited Akwa Ibom-born international stars like Super Eagles’ William Troost-Ekong, WBO Heavyweight Champion Moses Itauma, and NBA Coach Ime Udoka as examples of local potential rising to global acclaim.
The Governor announced that for the first time in state history, Akwa Ibom now has a stand-alone Ministry of Sports, led by veteran journalist and sports administrator Elder Paul Bassey.
Eno also unveiled strategic investments in world-class facilities, including the Ibom Sports Academy in Eket, modern equipment for competitions, and the upcoming ARISE Resort, which will feature a golf course and facilities for both indoor and outdoor games.
“We are rewriting Akwa Ibom’s sports story. Our facilities and programs will groom athletes who will not only win medals but become ambassadors of our state,” he noted.
The Governor emphasized that the state’s rich cultural heritage—from music and culinary arts to sports—is being positioned as a tourism driver.
“We are deploying every aspect of our culture to make Akwa Ibom a destination of choice for sports and tourism,” he declared.
Over 3,000 athletes will compete across 18 sporting events held in Uyo, Eket, Ediene Abak, and Aka Community Secondary School, with the festival running until Saturday, September 13.
Commissioner Paul Bassey praised the Governor’s vision, describing the festival as a “springboard for scouting and nurturing global sports talents.”
He emphasized that Ibom 2025 is not just an event but a strategy for economic and social development.
Also read:Oba of Benin Fasting & Prayer Declared for September 15–28
With this bold initiative, Umo Eno champions sports festival not only to honour past legends but to raise the next generation of sporting greats from Akwa Ibom’s soil.
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Festivals
Olojo Festival 5km Road Race Launches with Top Nigerian Runners
Published
1 month agoon
September 24, 2025
Olojo Festival 5km Road Race debuts in Ile Ife, featuring Nigeria’s top distance runners and spotlighting cultural heritage and athletic talent
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Ogun State unveils mascot, logo, theme song for 22nd National Sports Festival, promises memorable games
Published
7 months agoon
April 16, 2025By
akonitv
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun unveiled the mascot, logo, and theme song for the 22nd National Sports Festival (“Gateway Games 2024”), assuring a memorable and inclusive event
The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, represented by his Deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, on Tuesday unveiled the official mascot, logo, and theme song for the highly anticipated 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged “Gateway Games 2024.”
Also read: Ogun State gears up for 22nd National sports festival with upgraded facilities
The unveiling ceremony, held at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, underscored the state’s readiness and commitment to hosting a remarkable and inspiring edition of the national sporting event.
Governor Abiodun emphasized that the unveiling was a clear demonstration of his administration’s dedication to delivering a National Sports Festival that will be the most memorable and inclusive in Nigeria’s history.
He assured all stakeholders that the “Gateway Games” is not just Ogun State’s festival but a national celebration, and Ogun State is fully prepared to welcome athletes and officials from across the country.
The Governor called upon all stakeholders to collaborate with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) to ensure the sports festival becomes an unforgettable showcase of talent, unity, and national pride.
He noted that the unveiled mascot and theme song beautifully reflect the vibrant energy, rich cultural heritage, and high aspirations of the people of Ogun State.
Governor Abiodun urged residents of Ogun State to actively participate in the festival by attending events, enthusiastically cheering the athletes, and warmly welcoming guests, thereby showcasing the renowned culture and hospitality that positions Ogun State as a prominent tourism destination.
The Governor highlighted several new initiatives incorporated into this year’s festival, promising to redefine the overall experience and make “Ogun 2024” an event not to be missed.
“This year’s edition features several new initiatives which the Director General of the National Sports Commission has already highlighted. These innovations are set to redefine the Festival experience and make Ogun 2024 truly unmissable,” stated Governor Dapo Abiodun.
He commended the creativity and talent behind the symbolic elements, acknowledging Dr. Bayo Adepetun for composing the spirited theme song and the Ministry of Culture team for bringing the mascot to life.
He lauded the tireless efforts of the LOC, led by Executive Secretary Dr. Kweku Tandoh, and the guidance of the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Chief Bukola Olopade, along with sports associations and numerous individuals working diligently behind the scenes to ensure all facilities are ready and every detail is meticulously in place.
The Ogun State Government has made significant investments in upgrading existing sports facilities and constructing new ones to meet world-class standards.
Governor Abiodun affirmed that these investments will not only serve the 2024 Festival but will also stand as a lasting legacy, establishing Ogun State as a premier destination for sports tourism and athletic excellence in Nigeria.
Director-General of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Bukola Olopade, expressed his satisfaction with the level of preparedness demonstrated by Ogun State for the upcoming 22nd National Sports Festival, assuring participants of an exceptional experience.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development, Wasiu Isiaka, welcomed the Joint Technical Committee to the unveiling ceremony and expressed his gratitude to the members of the Local Organizing Committee for their unwavering commitment to meeting the timelines for the opening ceremony.
The 22nd National Sports Festival, “Gateway Games 2024,” is scheduled to hold in Ogun State from May 16th to 30th, 2025.
The National Sports Festival is a biennial multi-sport event organized by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the National Sports Commission.
It brings together athletes from all 36 states of Nigeria to compete in various sports, fostering national unity and promoting sports development at the grassroots level.
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