The remarkable resurgence of sports in Akwa Ibom State has become one of the defining achievements of the administration of Governor Umo Eno. In less than three years, strategic investments, deliberate policy direction and sustained support for athletes have transformed the state’s sporting landscape, producing champions, attracting national recognition and positioning Akwa Ibom as one of Nigeria’s leading sports destinations.
At the heart of this transformation is the ARISE Agenda, whose vision for youth development and human capacity building has found strong expression in sports. Through purposeful leadership and sustained funding, the administration has revived grassroots sports development, strengthened sporting associations and created pathways for young talents to excel on national and international stages.
Driving the implementation of this vision is the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, whose wealth of experience and global exposure have helped reposition the sector. Under his stewardship, Akwa Ibom athletes are increasingly making their presence felt at major competitions, while the state continues to gain recognition as a hub for sporting excellence.
One of the flagship projects of the administration is the Ibom Sports Academy in Eket. Conceived as a world-class centre for nurturing future champions, the academy is steadily taking shape, with major infrastructure already nearing completion ahead of its official groundbreaking ceremony by Governor Umo Eno.
The reintroduction of the Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival has also become a major catalyst for talent discovery. The competition has unearthed promising athletes, produced national champions and provided opportunities for young sportsmen and women to compete beyond the state’s borders.
Beyond infrastructure and competitions, the Ministry of Sports has invested significantly in equipment procurement for sporting associations, acquired a modern boxing ring, organised capacity-building programmes for coaches and staff, enhanced athlete welfare and maintained regular engagement with stakeholders across various sporting disciplines.
The results have been impressive.
At the second edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival, Team Akwa Ibom improved from sixth position at the maiden edition to finish fourth, underscoring the steady progress being recorded under the present administration.
Akwa Ibom athletes have also excelled in qualification events for the Commonwealth Games scheduled for Glasgow, Scotland. Enku Ekuta and Immaculata Ufot secured qualification in Judo, while Uyama Udobong earned an international slot in Taekwondo after an outstanding performance in the 87kg category.
The state’s dominance extended to continental competitions. At the African Weightlifting Championship in Ismailia, Egypt, Ruth Nyong won three gold medals in the 45kg category, while Edidiong Umuofia claimed one gold and two silver medals in the 71kg category.
Similarly, Akwa Ibom athletes distinguished themselves at the African Athletics Championships held in Ghana. Esther Okon and Jacinta Lawrence were part of Nigeria’s victorious women’s 4×400 metres relay team, while Ezekiel Eno Asuquo and Victor Ime contributed to the country’s gold medal-winning mixed 4×400 metres relay team. High jumper Clergy Edet also represented Nigeria with distinction.
In recognition of her outstanding achievements, Jacinta Lawrence was named Nigeria’s Best Junior Athlete for 2025 by the National Sports Commission and rewarded with a cash prize of three million naira.
The state’s success story extends beyond athletics. Chapel of Grace Tennis Club, representing Akwa Ibom, recently emerged champions of a South-South Table Tennis Championship in Benin City, defeating twenty-one other clubs from across the region.
These accomplishments are not accidental. They are the product of a deliberate strategy that prioritises athlete development, regular participation in competitions, private sector partnerships and equal attention to all sporting associations.
Today, the Ministry of Sports continues to implement a robust calendar of activities designed to keep athletes competitive, expose them to higher levels of competition and prepare them for future challenges.
As preparations begin for another edition of the Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival, expectations are high that the state will continue its impressive rise at the National Sports Festival, National Youth Games and future editions of the Niger Delta Sports Festival.
The evidence is clear. Governor Umo Eno’s investment in sports is producing results. New champions are emerging, records are being broken and Akwa Ibom is steadily building a legacy that could produce future Olympians and world champions.
Indeed, champions are being made in Akwa Ibom State, and the golden era of sports development is unfolding before our eyes.
By; Amos Etuk, Uyo.
