Governor Eno Approves Sports Academy in Eket, Launches 2025 Akwa Ibom Sports Festival

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has given approval for the establishment of a sports academy in Eket Local Government Area as part of efforts to boost grassroots talent development, Sport360NG reports.

The governor made the announcement on Monday while declaring open the 2025 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival in Uyo, themed “Nurturing Talents, Promoting Tourism.”

Eno revealed that the state government has already begun acquiring modern sporting equipment to enhance the training of athletes and prepare them for international competitions.

“We have approved the establishment of a sports academy in Eket and commenced the purchase of world-class equipment to ensure our young sportsmen and women can train, compete, and excel globally,” he said.

The governor noted that the state’s unimpressive outings in national and international tournaments were largely due to inadequate facilities. He, however, assured that new investments, including a nine-hole golf course and facilities for indoor and outdoor games at tourist sites, would change the narrative. According to him, the ARISE Resort Park in Uyo, scheduled for commissioning in December, will also feature modern sports infrastructure.

“The absence of proper equipment has hindered our ability to win medals at major events. With these investments, we are confident the results will now be different,” Eno added.

He further explained that the festival would showcase Akwa Ibom’s cultural and tourism potential, highlighting music, cuisine, heritage, and other attractions that position the state as a preferred destination.

The governor urged athletes to uphold fair play, foster unity, and strive to bring glory to themselves and the state.

In his welcome address, Commissioner for Sports Development, Elder Paul Bassey, commended Governor Eno for prioritising sports, noting that the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Sports had already begun to yield results with the successful organisation of the festival.