Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has called on sports stakeholders to deepen their commitment to using sports as a unifying force and a platform for youth empowerment across Nigeria.
Governor Eno made the call when the Unity Torch for the 2024 National Sports Festival (NSF) arrived at the Akwa Ibom Government House, Uyo. The torch, which symbolizes national unity and participation, was received amidst a colourful entourage of sportsmen and women from the State Ministry of Sports.
The Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, formally handed over the symbolic torch to the Team Leader from the National Sports Commission, Mr. Mbora Ikana, who in turn presented it to the Governor’s representative, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah.
In a remarks, Governor Eno described sports as a powerful tool for breaking barriers of tribe, religion, and ethnicity, and urged youths to embrace it as a means of fostering peace and national integration.
“Sports is that vehicle that nations use to traverse and abolish the borders of tribalism, religion and ethnic bias. The symbolic journey of this torch across the states of the nation emphasizes the growing need to sow the seed of oneness in the heart of our people, especially the teeming youth population,” he stated.
He also charged Akwa Ibom athletes to maintain discipline, remain drug-free, and aim for excellence at the forthcoming games, reiterating his administration’s unwavering support for sports as an instrument of unity and development.
Earlier, Commissioner Bassey commended Governor Eno for his continuous support of sports and said the arrival of the torch officially signals the countdown to the festival. He assured that the state’s contingent is fully prepared and poised to improve on its past achievements.
The 2024 National Sports Festival will take place in Ogun State from May 16 to 30.
