Governor Eno Orders Revival of Inter-School Sports in Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has directed the Ministries of Education and Sports Development to partner with the organising committee of the recently concluded state sports festival to reintroduce inter-school competitions across the state, Sport360NG reports.

The governor issued the directive on Sunday during the closing and medal presentation ceremony of the Akwa Ibom Sports Festival, according to a statement from the Government House Press Unit.

Eno described sports as a multi-billion-dollar global industry and a key part of the tourism agenda outlined in his administration’s ARISE Agenda.

“I want the organising committee to collaborate with the Ministry of Education to revive inter-house sports in all our schools. That is where young talents can be discovered. Years ago, secondary school competitions helped identify stars who later shone at international levels. We need to return to that,” he said.

The governor pledged funding support and confirmed that sports and tourism would remain prominent in the state’s development calendar. He also announced that the Arise Resorts, featuring a nine-hole golf course and modern indoor and outdoor sporting facilities, would be inaugurated in December.

Eno noted that the last state sports festival was held 15 years ago, adding that the 2025 edition marked a significant revival of grassroots sports in Akwa Ibom.

“In the past week, 3,600 youths from all 31 local government areas competed in 18 individual and five team sports, showcasing unity, sportsmanship, and peace. The festival has been a resounding success,” he said, congratulating the athletes and local government chairmen for their participation and support.

He further commended the state’s representatives at the recent National Youth Games in Asaba, where Akwa Ibom finished seventh overall with 11 gold, nine silver, and 10 bronze medals. As a reward, he announced cash prizes of N500,000 for each gold medallist, N250,000 for silver winners, and N150,000 for bronze.

The governor added that the athletes would undergo further training at the state-owned Sports Academy in Eket, which has been equipped with modern facilities to groom future stars.

This year’s sports festival produced 156 gold, 156 silver, and 198 bronze medallists across 18 sports.

Commissioner for Sports Paul Bassey and ALGON Chairman Dr. Uwemedimo Udo praised the governor for reviving the competition, while Itu, Uyo, and Nsit Atai local government areas emerged as the top three in the final medal standings.