…Receives A’Ibom 2026 Sports Festival Torch
By Bassey Nkponam
UYO
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced automatic employment into the state civil service for three Akwa Ibom athletes who won medals for Nigeria at the just-concluded 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Eno announced the gesture on Thursday during the official lighting of the Torch of Unity to mark the commencement of the 2026 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival at Government House, Uyo.
The beneficiaries are Edidiong Umoafia, who won a gold medal in weightlifting; Ruth Nyong, who claimed a silver medal in weightlifting; and Enku Ekuta, who won a bronze medal in judo. Governor Eno congratulated the athletes for their hard work, discipline and dedication, describing these qualities as the foundation of their success on the international stage.
The Governor further directed the commissioner for sports development, Elder Paul Bassey, to make all necessary arrangements for the athletes to be formally rewarded during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival scheduled for Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
He also directed the Head of the State Civil Service to formalise their employment and ensure that they are posted to the Ministry of Sports Development.
Eno reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in sports development as a major avenue for youth empowerment and economic opportunities in the State, describing sports as a “multi-billion-dollar industry,” Governor Eno said his administration was determined to equip young people with the skills and opportunities needed to benefit from the huge economic potential of the sector.
He said the annual state sports festival represents a major milestone in the development of sports in Akwa Ibom, particularly in the discovery and nurturing of talents at the grassroots.
“Last year, we held the Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival as part of the development of youths and sports in our State, as encapsulated in the ARISE Agenda.
“The results of this event have been impressive and heartwarming, as several quality sports talents among our youths have been discovered to represent even the country in international sports tournaments,” he said.
The Governor noted that the maiden edition of the festival was a significant moment in the evolution of sports in the State, as it provided a platform for talented athletes from the grassroots to be discovered, groomed and prepared for national and international competitions.
Eno recalled that at the recently concluded Niger Delta Games in Benin City, Akwa Ibom emerged as one of the standout states, winning 16 gold, 17 silver and 22 bronze medals, adding that athletes from the State had represented Nigeria in national and international competitions across various sporting disciplines, including judo, wrestling, athletics and weightlifting.
He also commended the commissioner for Sports Development, Elder Paul Bassey, and members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the State sports festival for their efforts in promoting sports development in the State.
Speaking with journalists after the event, Elder Bassey expressed appreciation to Governor Eno for his remarkable investment in sports and youth development, saying Akwa Ibom has continued to carve a niche for itself in Nigeria’s sports history through the discovery, nurturing and promotion of sporting talents.
Bassey hinted that the event marked the commencement of the second edition of the Akwa Ibom State sports festival, following the success of the maiden edition held last year.
He commended the Governor’s sports development initiative which he noted, has provided opportunities for grassroots talents to be discovered, nurtured and exposed to competitive sports, thereby positioning the State for greater prominence.
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