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In fulfillment of his electioneering promise to invest significantly in sports development, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, has officially declared open the 2025 Edition of the State Sports Festival.
The festival themed; Naturing Talents, Promoting Tourism.’ is expected to feature no fewer than 3000 athletes drawn from the 31 Local Government Areas of the state.
Declaring open the ceremony at the Uyo Township Stadium, on Tuesday, Governor Eno described sports as a multi-billion dollar global industry, which his administration intends to invest in through an already cemented plan for a Sports Academy in Eket, to further discover and nurture sports stars.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Governor Eno said Akwa Ibom is blessed with many promising athletes waiting to be discovered through the event.
In his words “This sports festival is aimed at discovering those talents who would eventually fly the flag of our dear state and bring us laurels. For the first time in the history of our dear state, we have created a stand-alone Ministry of Sports, headed by an internationally recognised sporting personality.
“We have approved the establishment of a Sports Academy in Eket and have gone ahead with the purchase of world-class sporting equipment which will help our youth to train, compete and excel at international events. We will deeply deploy resources to the promotion of sports and get our youths ready to compete and conquer the world in various sporting activities”, he said.
He charged the officials and contingents to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship throughout the games, assuring that his administration will continue to showcase Akwa Ibom as the destination of choice, through strategic investments in sports, culture and tourism.
“We have also developed sporting facilities including a nine-hole golf course, outdoor and indoor games at our audacious tourism location, the ARISE Park in Uyo, which is billed to open in December.
“To the athletes who will be competing in the 18 games at different locations, I urge you to put your talents and skills on full display. Imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship, build friendship and win laurels for yourself and for the state.”
The Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, while speaking earlier appreciated the Governor for the initiative and disclosed that 18 sporting events will be competed for during the festival, assuring that modalities have been put in place to ensure a hitch-free tournament.
Speaking on behalf of Local Government Chairmen across the 31 LGAs, Chairman of ALGON, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, pledged the association’s commitment in coordinating their respective teams for the success of the festival.