Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has directed the Ministries of Education and Sports Development to collaborate with the organising committee of the recently concluded Akwa Ibom Sports Festival to revive inter-school competitions across the state.

Speaking during the closing and medal presentation ceremony of the festival, Eno described sports as a multi-billion-dollar global industry and a key pillar of his administration’s tourism agenda under the ARISE Agenda.

He tasked the committee to partner with the Ministry of Education to reintroduce inter-house sports and inter-secondary school competitions, noting that such platforms are essential for discovering and nurturing young talents.

“Back in the day, schools competed with one another, and that was how some of our stars were discovered. We will make funds available to ensure sports and tourism thrive. This will be a regular feature in our state calendar,” he said.

Eno also announced plans to inaugurate Arise Resorts in December. The facility will feature world-class amenities, including a nine-hole golf course and both indoor and outdoor sporting pavilions.

The governor highlighted that the last state sports festival took place 15 years ago, describing the 2025 edition as a “revival of sports in Akwa Ibom.” He revealed that the event brought together 3,600 youths from the 31 local government areas, who competed in 18 individual sports and five team events.

“The festival has been a huge success, promoting unity, sportsmanship, and peace,” Eno said, congratulating all athletes, local government chairmen, and supporters for their contributions.

He further praised Akwa Ibom athletes who participated in the National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, where they secured 11 gold, nine silver, and 10 bronze medals, finishing seventh overall among 36 states and the FCT.

To encourage them, the governor announced cash rewards: N500,000 for each gold medallist, N250,000 for silver, and N150,000 for bronze winners. He added that they would also receive further training at the state’s Sports Academy in Eket, which is equipped with modern facilities to groom young athletes.

This year’s sports festival produced 156 gold, 156 silver, and 198 bronze medallists. Eno commended the organising committee and urged them to begin preparations for the 2026 edition.

The Commissioner for Sports, Paul Bassey, and the Chairman of ALGON in the state, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, also applauded the governor for reviving the festival.

The highlight of the closing ceremony was the presentation of trophies to Itu, Uyo, and Nsit Atai Local Government Areas, which emerged first, second, and third respectively.