Akwa Ibom Sports Festival Torch of Unity Begins LGA Tour on September 1

As the countdown to the 2025 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival intensifies, the symbolic “Torch of Unity” will on Monday, September 1, 2025, commence a two-day tour across all 31 local government areas of the state.

The ceremonial torch was officially lit on Friday, August 29, 2025, by the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno,^[1] marking the formal start of activities leading up to the much-anticipated sports festival.

According to Elder Paul Bassey, Honourable Commissioner for Sports and Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the Festival, the torch’s journey will serve as a unifying symbol for all Akwa Ibomites, promoting peace, unity, and sportsmanship.

To ensure efficient coverage across all LGAs within two days, the Ministry of Sports has deployed two official teams, each with a separate torch, moving simultaneously along designated routes. At every local government secretariat, the torch will be received during brief but symbolic ceremonies involving the local government chairmen and sports supervisors.

The Torch of Unity represents more than just a pre-festival ritual. It is a beacon of solidarity among the diverse communities of Akwa Ibom, igniting a shared spirit of athletic excellence and communal pride.

As the torch weaves its way through the state, residents are encouraged to partake in the celebration and embrace the core values of the festival which are unity, discipline, and sportsmanship.

The 2025 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival promises to be an inspiring showcase of local talent, teamwork, and the enduring power of sport to bring people together.

Torch Movement Schedule:

Day 1: Monday, September 1, 2025
Route A:

9:00 AM – Ini

10:30 AM – Ikono

11:30 AM – Obot Akara

12:30 PM – Ikot Ekpene

1:30 PM – Essien Udim

2:30 PM – Oruk Anam

3:30 PM – Ukanafun

4:30 PM – Ika

5:30 PM – Etim Ekpo

6:00 PM – Abak

Route B:

9:00 AM – Nsit Atai

11:30 AM – Okobo

1:00 PM – Mbo

2:30 PM – Udung Uko

3:30 PM – Oron

4:30 PM – Urueoffong/Oruko

5:30 PM – Ibesikpo Asutan

Day 2: Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Route A:

9:30 AM – Nsit Ibom

10:30 AM – Etinan

12:00 Noon – Nsit Ubium

1:30 PM – Eket

2:30 PM – Esit Eket

3:30 PM – Ibeno

4:30 PM – Onna

Route B:

9:30 AM – Itu

10:30 AM – Ibiono Ibom

12:00 Noon – Mkpat Enin

1:30 PM – Ikot Abasi

2:30 PM – Eastern Obolo

4:00 PM – Uruan

5:30 PM – Uyo (Final stop)