UYO – Akwa Ibom State Government has announced plans to host the first-ever Akwa Ibom Sports Festival with a firm commitment to use sports as a driver for unity, talent discovery, and tourism promotion in the state.
Speaking at a media parley and official logo unveiling of the Festival in Uyo, yesterday, the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, said the event will run from September 8–13, 2025, featuring 18 individual sporting events and five team sports across various venues in the state.
The Festival will be flagged off on August 29, 2025, with a symbolic Unity Torch Relay across the 31 Local Government Areas.
Bassey noted that sports remain a critical pillar of the Governor’s ARISE Agenda, pointing out that the Festival was not just a competition but “a practical expression of government’s blueprint to harness the economic and tourism potentials of sports.”
He highlighted the state’s growing reputation as Nigeria’s sports hub, citing the revival of the Governor’s Cup, hosting of the Niger Delta Games, and Akwa Ibom’s status as the exclusive home of the Super Eagles.
On facilities, the Commissioner emphasized that Akwa Ibom already boasts world-class infrastructure, including the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and the Itam Sports Centre, while work will soon commence on the Ibom Sports Academy in Eket.
He said, over 3,600 athletes are expected to participate in the Festival, representing all federal constituencies and local governments.
The Commissioner thanked Governor Umo Eno for approving the procurement of modern sports equipment, the first such investment in 14 years and assured that, the Main Organizing Committee (MOC) is working tirelessly to deliver a festival that will unearth fresh talents for national and international competitions.
