Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has charged the State Ministries of Education and Sports to collaborate with the Ministerial Organizing Committee of the just-concluded State Sports Festival to revive sporting activities in primary and post-primary schools through regular inter-house and inter-school sports competitions.

Speaking at the closing and medal presentation ceremony of the 2025 Akwa Ibom Sports Festival, Governor Eno stressed the need to harness talents from an early age to compete on national and international stages.

“Sports is a multi-billion-dollar global industry and a major driver of tourism under our ARISE Agenda. We must catch them young by reviving inter-house and inter-school competitions where talents can be discovered and nurtured. Funding will be made available to ensure this becomes a regular event in our calendar,” the Governor assured.

The Governor described the 2025 Sports Festival as a rebirth of sports in the State, noting that the last edition was held 15 years ago. The week-long festival paraded 3,600 athletes from the 31 local government areas who competed in 18 individual and five team sports, showcasing unity, peace, and sportsmanship.

Governor Eno rewarded medalists at the festival with cash prizes—₦500,000 for gold, ₦250,000 for silver, and ₦150,000 for bronze. A total of 156 gold, 156 silver, and 198 bronze medals were won. He also extended similar rewards to athletes who represented Akwa Ibom at the recent National Youth Games in Asaba, where the State placed 7th with 11 gold, 9 silver, and 10 bronze medals.

The Governor further announced plans to train the athletes at the State Sports Academy in Eket, equipped with modern facilities to prepare youths for global competitions. He also unveiled the soon-to-be-commissioned Arise Resorts in December, which will feature a 9-hole golf course and world-class sporting facilities to boost sports tourism.

In their goodwill messages, the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey; ALGON Chairman, Dr Uwemedimo Udo; Sports Supervisors’ Dean, Hon. Ofonekpe; and initiator of the Niger Delta Sports Festival, Sir Itiako Malik Ikpokpo, commended the Governor for reviving sports in the State and investing in youth development.

Highlights of the ceremony included the presentation of trophies to Itu, Uyo, and Nsit Atai Local Government Areas, which emerged first, second, and third respectively.