Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has unveiled a comprehensive plan to elevate the state’s sporting landscape, marked by the establishment of a sports academy, investment in world-class equipment, and the development of modern sporting facilities. This initiative, announced during the opening ceremony of the Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival 2025 in Uyo, aims to transform the state into a sporting powerhouse, capable of nurturing homegrown talent and achieving international acclaim. The governor emphasized that the lack of adequate resources and modern infrastructure has historically hindered the state’s athletes from realizing their full potential, a narrative he is determined to rewrite.
The newly approved sports academy in Eket Local Government Area is poised to become a central hub for cultivating athletic talent, providing aspiring athletes with specialized training and development opportunities. This academy, in conjunction with the acquisition of state-of-the-art sporting equipment, will equip Akwa Ibom’s athletes to compete at the highest levels, both nationally and internationally. The governor’s vision is not just about participation, but about fostering a culture of excellence, where athletes are groomed to achieve international recognition and bring glory to the state.
Complementing the academy and equipment upgrades, the state government is investing in the development of comprehensive sporting facilities. This includes the construction of a nine-hole golf course, provision of indoor and outdoor game areas, and the integration of sporting amenities within the upcoming ARISE Resort Park in Uyo, scheduled to open in December 2025. These multifaceted developments are geared towards creating an environment conducive to sporting activities, catering to a wide range of disciplines, and attracting both local and international sporting events.
The governor highlighted the synergy between sports and tourism, positioning the sports festival as a showcase of Akwa Ibom’s vibrant culture. He envisions the festival as a platform to highlight the state’s rich heritage, culinary expertise, and musical traditions, thereby promoting Akwa Ibom as a preferred destination for tourists and sports enthusiasts alike. This strategic integration of sports and tourism aims to generate economic benefits for the state while simultaneously fostering a sense of pride and unity among its citizens.
Addressing the participants of the sports festival, Governor Eno encouraged them to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie, emphasizing that the event is not only about competition but also about building lasting relationships. He urged them to strive for excellence, not only for personal glory but also to elevate the reputation of Akwa Ibom on the national and international stage. The governor’s message underscores the transformative power of sports, its ability to inspire individual achievement and foster a sense of collective identity.
Elder Paul Bassey, the state commissioner for Sports Development, commended Governor Eno’s significant investment in the sports sector, emphasizing the pivotal role of the newly established stand-alone Ministry for Sports in driving these transformative changes. The commissioner highlighted the sports festival itself as a testament to the government’s commitment to sports development and a tangible manifestation of the governor’s vision for a brighter sporting future for Akwa Ibom State. This collective effort, spearheaded by the governor and supported by the dedicated work of the Ministry of Sports, is poised to revolutionize the sporting landscape of Akwa Ibom State and pave the way for a new era of athletic achievement.
