•Governor Umo Eno receives the Unity Torch
UTIBE-IMA OKON, Uyo reporting
Akwa Ibom State has officially commenced activities for the 2026 State Sports Festival with the presentation of the Unity Torch to Governor Umo Eno, yesterday, Thursday, September 10, 2026, who instantly set in motion the preparations for the sporting event scheduled for September 22 to September 27, 2026.
Receiving the Unity Torch, today, at Government House, Uyo, Governor Umo Eno described sports as a unifying force and a multi-million-dollar industry capable of creating opportunities for young people while contributing to the economic development of the state.
Governor Eno, sandwiched by two of his grandchildren, her daughter and the deputy governor, among others, said the success of last year’s edition prompted the state government to make the sports festival an annual event, particularly as it has provided a platform for discovering talents from the grassroots.
He said, “Last year’s event turned out to be a good moment in the evolution of our sports, and we decided to make it a yearly event. The sports festival led to the discovery of many talents who have made the state proud from the grassroots.”
The governor congratulated Akwa Ibom athletes who have distinguished themselves at national and international competitions, noting that their achievements have brought honour and recognition to the state.
He cited the recent Niger Delta Games in Benin, where Akwa Ibom emerged as one of the leading states with 16 gold, 17 silver and 22 bronze medals, as evidence of the growing strength of sports in the state.
Governor Eno also noted that Akwa Ibom athletes have represented Nigeria in various sporting disciplines, including judo, wrestling and weightlifting, adding that three athletes from the state recently made the national contingent to the Commonwealth Games and returned with medals.
“Just recently, the state made history by providing three athletes in the country’s contingent to the Commonwealth Games, and all came back with medals. I celebrate all of them again today”, Governor Eno said.
The governor directed the Commissioner for Sports Development to ensure that the achievements of the medal-winning athletes are formally recognised during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Sports Festival.
He further directed that deserving athletes who have distinguished themselves in competitions should be employed into the State Civil Service based on merit.
Governor Eno said the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, a two-time winner of the prestigious National Pitch Award, remains the home of the Super Eagles and a major venue for international football matches.
He announced that Akwa Ibom would host the Super Eagles on Friday, September 25, as part of activities marking the state’s 39th anniversary, assuring that the team would receive the traditional support and hospitality of the people.
On other sporting developments, the governor said Akwa Ibom is currently leading the 2026 Rainforest Basketball League after the first stanza, with the team expected to consolidate its position when the second stanza resumes later this month.
He also recalled the successful hosting of the South-South Chess Championship at the Nest of Champions, describing the forthcoming iconic Sports Academy as another major investment designed to discover, develop and technically equip young athletes for national and international competitions.
Governor Eno urged Akwa Ibom people to maintain peace and unity as the Unity Torch travels across the 31 Local Government Areas before returning to Uyo for the opening of the festival on September 21.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Sports Development, Elder Paul Bassey, highlighted the achievements of Akwa Ibom athletes, particularly those who recently represented Nigeria at the Commonwealth Games and returned with medals.
Among them are Edidiong Umofia, who won gold in weightlifting; Ruth Nyong, who secured silver in weightlifting; and Enju Ekuta, who won bronze in judo.
The commissioner thanked Governor Eno for recognising and rewarding athletes who have represented the state, describing the gesture as a major encouragement to athletes and a boost to sports development in Akwa Ibom.
The Unity Torch was first presented to the Commissioner for Sports Development by medal-winning athletes. He subsequently handed it over to Governor Eno, who passed it to the Chairman of Uyo Local Government Council, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, to begin its journey across the state.
It would be recalled that Governor Eno last year, September 8 to September 13, 2025, resuscitated a full-scale State Sports Festival in the state after 13 years in limbo.
