By; Sunny Canto
The maiden edition of Akwa Ibom Games, tagged: ‘Nurturing Talents and Promoting Tourism’ also named ‘Ibom Games’ has flag-off at UYO Township Stadium, thereby making all sundry excited, overwhelm as the ongoing sporting fiesta is featuring Thirty-One Local Government Area across the State in a competitive manner.
However, the executive Governor; Pastor Umo Eno on Friday 29th, August has received the torch of unity signaling the commencement of Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival 2025. Besides, the significant and essential step is a proactive plan to develop sustainable infrastructure and enhance the skills of athletes to the global market.
According to Executive Governor; Pastor Umo Eno while receiving the torch of unity, ‘’Let me commend the Inter-Ministerial Organizing Committee for the dedication and professionalism they have shown so far. The successful Press Briefing and unveiling of the Festival Logo clearly demonstrate their acute understanding of my vision as far as sports development is concerned’’.
‘’Sports is a multi-billion-dollar global industry, and we believe among our youths are next, Troost Ekongs, Lionel Messi, Bukayo Sakas, and Coco Gauffs awaiting to be discovered; we have approved the establishment of the Ibom Sports Academy in Eket; purchased modern sports equipment to give our athletes world-class tools to train, compete, and excel; the festival Logo unveil symbolize our unity, strength, sportsmen and youthful energy that represent our agility and teamwork; Across the 31 Local Government Areas, I say to all competitors, let the Games begin! Eno said.
Interestingly, all the participants were fully kitted in their colorful sport attires; began to match-past the crowd after Nigeria National Anthem was recited with several music and cultural displays by all the LGA’s which make it memorable and historic events.
Among the Local Government Area competing are: Obot-Akra, Uyo, Onna, Ikot-Abasi, Nsit-Udom, Ikot-Ekpen, Essien Udom, Ini, Nsit-Itan amongst others are vying for laurels in Weightlifting, Track and Field events, Swimming, Beach Volleyball, Football, Darts, Wrestling, Scrabble, Table-Tennis, Basketball, Chess, Volleyball, Tennis, Boxing, Handball, Badminton to mention but a few.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor; Senator (Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi in front of thousand spectators declared the One week championship Open as notable guests from all works of life graced the mouthwatering occasion.
Amazing talents and skillful world-class Champions like: Eniffong Udo-Ubong (Athletics Olympian); Catherine Ekuta (Judo Olympian); Patient Okon-George (Athletics Champion) amongst others are produced by Akwa Ibom State also, valued across the globe.
’Sports Renaissance in Akwa Ibom’ and ‘The Making of Future Champions’ there are so many successful athletes, coaches, sports administrators including Media and Press expert fostered by the State such as Elder Paul Bassey (CAF, FIFA Match Commissioner) also, a veteran Journalist; legendary Coach Gabriel Okon and Athletics ex-International; Enkwu Ekuta Judo National Champion; Eddiong Edet-Bassey Africa and Nigeria finest Weightlifter; Patient Okon-George Africa and National multiple 400m sprinting Champion; James Comfort a Long-distance Champion of course time and season change, so therefore more prodigy are yet to be discovered.
In summary, if we begin to avail suitable platforms for our athletes with proper medical attention, training tours; standard facilities, rebranding and enough sponsors, regular welfare delivery, certainly, the sky will be our stepping stone as ‘Giant of Africa’ in the sporting industry.
