September 08, (THEWILL) — The 2025 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival officially opened in Uyo on Monday, with a strong pledge to discover fresh talent, drive youth empowerment, and position the state for global sporting excellence.
Governor Umo Eno, represented by his deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, declared the week-long festival open before a colourful crowd of athletes, officials, and spectators.
He described the event as a fulfillment of his campaign promise to prioritise sports as a tool for youth development and international recognition.
The governor said, “Sports today is a multi-billion-dollar global industry, and Akwa Ibom must find its place on that stage.
“We must discover new talents, grow them, and expose them to agents and managers at every level until they blossom like others already excelling across the world.”
Citing examples of Akwa Ibom and Nigerian stars on the global stage, Eno mentioned Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka, WBO heavyweight champion Moses Itauma, and Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka as proof that talent from the state can conquer the world.
The governor disclosed that his administration had created a standalone Ministry of Sports headed by Elder Paul Bassey, whom he praised for his wealth of experience and strategic insights.
He also announced the approval of a Sports Academy in Eket and the procurement of modern training equipment.
He said, “Facilities are being developed, including a nine-hole golf course and indoor and outdoor centres at our new Paradise Resort Park, scheduled to open in December.
“We want to ensure that Akwa Ibom’s story in national and international sports changes permanently.”
Themed “Glorious Days: Nurturing Talent, Promoting Tourism,” the festival will feature 18 sporting events across Uyo, Eket Township Stadium, Aka Community Secondary School, and Tower of Ivory, Ediene Abak.
Addressing the athletes, Eno urged them to display dignity, discipline, and determination.
“Exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship, build friendships, and win laurels for yourselves and our state,” he charged.
Sports Commissioner Elder Paul Bassey said the festival would serve as a breeding ground for the next generation of champions, noting that successful athletes would be nurtured in the state’s new Sports Academy.
Representing the National Sports Commission, Coach Gabriel Okon pledged the body’s support and urged participants to uphold fair play.
“The goal is to harness the best athletes who can represent Akwa Ibom at national and international levels,” he stressed.
The festival, which runs for one week, has attracted thousands of athletes from across the state competing for medals and the chance to become future sporting ambassadors.
Excitement is already building across the venues, with residents and visitors trooping in to witness what is projected to be the most ambitious sports event in the state’s history.
Eno is expected to personally attend the closing ceremony, where he will present medals to winning athletes.
“With God on our side, we are ready to produce champions who will carry the Akwa Ibom flag proudly across the globe,” he declared.
