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.
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.
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.
Business3 years ago
