The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports development, declaring that the 2025 Ibom Sports Festival is designed to discover, nurture, and groom raw talents capable of competing and excelling on the global stage.
He said this during the opening ceremony of the Akwa Ibom Sports Festival 2025 held on Monday, September 8, 2025, at the Uyo Township Stadium.
Ably represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, he said the event is part of the state’s determination to harness its vast sporting potential for international participation and recognition.
He stressed that sports have grown into a multi-million-dollar global industry and urged stakeholders in Akwa Ibom to take deliberate steps to identify and promote young talents who can compete favorably with their counterparts worldwide.
Governor Eno cited the achievements of world-class athletes of Nigerian descent such as Bukayo Saka of Arsenal FC, Super Eagles star William Troost-Ekong of Etinan origin, WBO heavyweight champion Moses Itauma, and NBA coach Ime Udoka, noting that Akwa Ibom is poised to produce more stars of similar pedigree through structured investments.
According to him, he said that to drive this vision, he had approved the creation of a standalone Ministry of Sports, headed by renowned journalist and internationally respected sports administrator, Mr. Paul Bassey, while announcing the approval for the establishment of a Sports Academy in Eket Local Government Area, alongside the provision of modern facilities to enable athletes to train and compete in both local and international tournaments.
“The lack of modern equipment has over the years hindered our state from winning laurels, but with the right infrastructure now in place, we are confident our athletes will excel,” he said.
Governor Eno added that sports, alongside music and cultural heritage, form a strategic part of his administration’s drive of ARISE AGENDA to position Akwa Ibom as a tourism hub. He urged athletes to showcase their talents with discipline, teamwork, and the spirit of sportsmanship, reminding them that the festival also forms part of the state’s 38th anniversary celebration.
“This sports festival is the first under my administration and a platform to unearth the abundance of raw talents scattered across the 31 local government areas of our state,” he said.
In a goodwill message, the Chairman Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Dr. Uwemedimo Udo commended the Governor for prioritizing sports development and tourism in the State.
He stressed that the event would give young athletes valuable exposure, helping to elevate them to national and international competitions with their God given talents.
Dr. Uwemedimo pledged the ALGON’s readiness and unwavering support throughout the process in ensuring fair play games describing the Governor’s approach as a worthy investment where young sports men and women will have equal opportunity to be exposed globally through their creativity and talents.
The event also featured the ceremonial lighting of the sports torch to signify unity in the state, administering the oath of allegiance by athletes and officials, and a kickoff by the Governor for the opening football match between Team Ikot Abasi and Team Uyo.
