Governor Eno Flags Off 2026 Akwa Ibom Sports Festival, Pledges More Investment in Talent Development

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has flagged off the 2026 edition of the Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to investing in sports as a platform for discovering, nurturing and promoting young talents.
Governor Eno stated this on Tuesday in Uyo during the opening ceremony of the festival, where he was represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi.
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The Governor described the State Sports Festival as an important platform for identifying emerging sporting talents, noting that athletes discovered during the 2025 edition went on to distinguish themselves at national and international competitions.

He assured young athletes in the state of continued government support, stressing the importance of creating opportunities for them to discover and develop their sporting abilities.

As part of the ceremony, Governor Eno honoured three Akwa Ibom athletes who won medals at the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

The honoured athletes are gold medallist Edidiong Umoafia and silver medallist Ruth Nyong, both in weightlifting, as well as bronze medallist Enku Ekuta, who competed in judo.
In another move aimed at strengthening grassroots sports development, the Governor directed the Commissioner for Sports to revive inter-house sports competitions in schools across the state.

According to him, the competitions would provide an avenue for discovering and developing new sporting talents.

“We must also invest in the future of sports. That is why I directed the Commissioner for Sports to revive inter-house sports competitions. This competition would help us to develop and discover new stars. We should revisit the good old days.”

Representing the Governor, the Deputy Governor also announced that the state government would soon award the contract for the construction of a Sports Academy in Eket.
She said the proposed academy would provide a structured environment for identifying, training and grooming sporting talents in the state.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, described Governor Eno as a sports-loving governor and commended him for approving the 2026 edition of the State Sports Festival.

Bassey recalled that the 2025 edition produced athletes who subsequently represented Nigeria at international competitions, including the Commonwealth Games, where they won medals.
He also commended the Governor for approving automatic employment in the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service for the athletes in recognition of their achievements.

In separate goodwill messages, the Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area and Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Uwemedimo Udo, alongside Supervisors for Sports from the various local government areas, pledged the support of the 31 local government councils towards the successful hosting of the festival.

Akwa Ibom Sports Festival

The opening ceremony featured a colourful march-past by contingents from the 31 local government areas, led by their respective council chairmen.

A total of 27 sporting disciplines are being contested by athletes representing the 31 local government areas, with competitions taking place at 10 designated venues within Uyo and its environs.
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Ministry of Works Sports Club Commences 2026 Sports Week, Commends Minister and Management for Support

The Federal Ministry of Works Sports Club has commenced its 2026 Sports Week with a series of activities aimed at promoting physical fitness, staff welfare, unity, teamwork, and excellence amongst the Ministry’s employees.
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As part of the Sports Week activities, the Sports Club, led by its officials and members, paid courtesy visits to key management officials of the Ministry today, Monday, 31 August 2026. The visits provided an opportunity for the Club to appreciate the leadership of the Ministry for its continued support for sports development, staff welfare and the activities of the Sports Club.

Receiving the Sports Club’s delegation, the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., commended the Club for its achievements and contributions to the image of the Ministry, through its participation in various sporting competitions.

The Minister of State congratulated the Club on its successes and assured the team of the Ministry’s continued support. He expressed that the achievements of the Sports Club were not only about winning trophies but also about promoting the physical and mental well-being of staff, noting that a healthy workforce was essential to the effective discharge of their responsibilities.

According to him, the Ministry would continue to encourage and support sporting activities that would keep staff physically fit, while also projecting the Ministry positively at national and inter-ministerial competitions. He congratulated the Sports Club for its commitment and urged its members to sustain the tempo and continue bringing glory to the Ministry.

The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary (DOOPS), Alhaji Aminu Ahmed, who assured them of his willingness to support its activities within the resources available to the Ministry. The DOOPS expressed optimism about the future of the Club and promised to do his best to support its programmes and activities. He, particularly, welcomed the planned hosting of future sporting activities in Kano, his home state, assuring the Club of the necessary support and hospitality within his capacity.

Alhaji Ahmed also expressed his commitment to addressing some of the challenges confronting the Club, while acknowledging the current financial constraints facing the Ministry.

In his remarks, the Director of Human Resource Management and Chairman of the Federal Ministry of Works’ Sports Club, Malam Ahmad Muhammad Tukur, appreciated the management of the Ministry for its continued support and urged members of the Sports Club to remain committed to excellence and the spirit of sportsmanship.

He assured the Club of his continued support and encouraged members to maintain discipline, teamwork, and dedication, stressing that their achievements represented not only the Sports Club but the entire Ministry.

The Sports Club also expressed appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, and the Minister of State, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq. for their encouragement of sporting activities and passion for staff welfare.

A major highlight of the Sports Week was the launch of the Federal Ministry of Works Sports Club’s magazine, Sport Waves, which received financial support from a former Senator Yakubu Lado, in collaboration with the Director, Highways, Bridges and Design (B&D), Engr. Musa Saidu. Senator Lado supported the publication of the Sport Waves magazine with the sum of ₦5 million and pledged to transfer the funds to the Sports Club’s account. He also promised to advertise his company in the next edition of the magazine.

The gesture was described by the Sports Club as a significant boost to its efforts to promote sporting activities, document its achievements and further strengthen its relationship with stakeholders.

Speaking during the commencement of the Sports Week activities, the Sports Manager, Mr. Fakande Ayorinde Adeniyi, said the Club decided to begin the celebration with Courtesy Visits to senior officials of the Ministry as a demonstration of respect and appreciation for their support. He further stated that the Sports Club would continue to work closely with the Ministry’s management to sustain its achievements and make the Ministry proud.

The Assistant Sports Manager, Mr. Tayo Omotosho, also expressed appreciation to the management and other supporters of the Club, noting that their encouragement had continued to boost the morale of members and inspire them to achieve more. He assured the leadership of the Ministry that the Sports Club would remain committed to excellence and continue to represent the Federal Ministry of Works positively at every sporting engagement.

Ministry of Works Sports Club

The 2026 Sports Week is expected to feature a range of sporting and fitness activities designed to promote healthy living, teamwork, friendship, and unity among staff of the Ministry.

The Sports Club reaffirmed its commitment to using sports as a veritable platform for staff development, physical fitness, team spirit, and the positive representation of the Federal Ministry of Works.

Mohammed A. Ahmed,
Director, Information and Public Relations.
31 August, 2026.
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Governor Eno Backs Moses Itauma Ahead of IBF Heavyweight Bout, Assures Full Support

Akwa Ibom State Governor, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, has expressed his best wishes to Akwa Ibom-born heavyweight boxer, Moses Itauma, ahead of his highly anticipated vacant IBF world title fight against Filip Hrgovic on Saturday 29th August, at the O2 Arena in London.
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Governor Eno, in a goodwill message delivered by the Commissioner for Sports Elder Paul Bassey, described Itauma as a worthy ambassador of Akwa Ibom and Nigeria whose remarkable rise in the boxing world has continued to bring pride to the state and country. He commended the young boxer for his dedication, courage and commitment to his chosen profession, noting that his achievements have placed Akwa Ibom prominently on the global boxing map.

The Governor assured Itauma that he will not be alone when he steps into the ring, stressing that the sporting community in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria will be firmly behind him. He said the prayers, goodwill and support of millions of Nigerians, particularly the people of Akwa Ibom, will accompany him as he takes on the important challenge.

Pastor Eno urged the boxer who has recorded 14 professional victories including 12 knockouts to remain focused, disciplined and confident, while giving his very best in the encounter. He expressed confidence in Itauma’s ability and talent, encouraging him to approach the fight with determination and the winning mentality that has characterised his career.

Moses Itauma

The Governor wished Moses Itauma success and victory in the bout, urging him to continue making Akwa Ibom and Nigeria proud on the international stage.
“Akwa Ibom is behind you. Nigeria is behind you. Go forth and make us proud, Moses,” the Governor said, adding: “ARISE, Moses, ARISE!”

Moses Itauma’s father is from Eket in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria while his mother is from Slovakia. He was raised in Britain but he has embraced and identified with his Nigerian, Slovak and British roots.
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