The Torch of Unity for the maiden Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival has completed its two-day tour of all 31 local government areas of the state, drawing colourful receptions and strong commitments from local leaders ahead of the event’s kickoff on 8 September 2025.
This report is put together by SportsRation’s Nsikakabasi Akpan as part of the build-up to the historic Sports Festival tagged “Nurturing Talent, Promoting Tourism.”
Governor Umo Eno[1] was the first to receive the torch at Government House, Uyo, signalling the start of the symbolic relay designed to unite the state, mobilise communities, and inspire athletes ahead of the competition. From the oil city of Eket to the hills of Ibiono Ibom, and from the coastal communities of Ibeno to the bustling capital of Uyo, the torch travelled across the state, welcomed at each stop with cultural displays, traditional music, and pledges of readiness.
In Uyo, Council Chairman Dr Uwemedimo Udo declared boldly that the capital was not just participating but “competing to win,” assuring full support for the athletes. At Eket, the council boss described the torch as a symbol of unity, peace, and excellence, while stressing the importance of sports for youth empowerment. Ibiono Ibom’s Chairman, Rt. Hon. (Obong) Asuakak Umoh, said the festival would go beyond competition to foster friendship and community ties.
There was a lively ceremony in Nsit Ubium where Chairman Hon. Alfred Charles lit the symbolic torch and urged young people to embrace the event as a platform for talent discovery. At Nsit Ibom, Rt. Hon. Otobong Aaron called on residents to register and cheer their athletes, describing the festival as a call for mass participation. Etinan’s Chairman, Hon. Uko Umoh, revealed that teams were already in camp, promising they were fully prepared to “win laurels.”
In Okobo, Chairman Rt. Hon. Engr. George Henshaw went straight to the training camp after receiving the torch to boost the morale of athletes, while Ibeno’s Chairman, Hon. Henry Archibong, assured that their teams were training with dedication for strong representation.
At ONNA, Hon. Kufre Umoren praised the festival’s potential to produce global stars, reaffirming his council’s commitment to sports and youth development.
Esit Eket’s Chairperson, Hon. Mrs Uduak Ikemesit Ikot, commended Governor Eno’s initiative, describing the festival as a revival of grassroots sports culture.
At Uruan, Hon. Iniobong Ekpenyong thanked the Governor for “rebirthing” the initiative and prayed for the safe passage of the torch. In Itu, Chairman Hon. Ubong Nkutt received the torch after a lively relay and pledged that Team Itu was “adequately prepared” to compete for the trophy.
Abak’s Chairperson, Hon. (Mrs) Ime Effiong Charles, called the torch a strong symbol of sportsmanship and reaffirmed her council’s full participation. In Obot Akara, Rt. Hon. Simon Dominic charged athletes to bring home trophies, even promising cash rewards for gold medallists. Ikot Ekpene’s Chairman, Hon. Aniefiok Nkom, assured of full support for their athletes while praising Governor Eno for championing grassroots talent.
The people of Ini also made their voices clear, with Chairman Hon. Inibehe Umah insisting that Team Ini was ready to compete and win medals across several events. At Nsit Atai, Chairman Hon. Anthony Nyong received the torch alongside lawmaker Hon. Prince Aniefiok Attah, who described the festival as “a platform to unite our people and inspire the next generation of champions.”
Everywhere the torch visited, the Akwa Ibom people embraced it as a symbol of peace, unity, and determination, pledging their councils’ readiness to compete.
The Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival, which will run from 8 to 13 September 2025, is expected to bring together athletes from all 31 LGAs in thrilling contests of skill, teamwork, and sporting excellence. With the completion of the Torch Tour, excitement has now reached its peak, as the countdown begins to a historic week of competition, talent discovery, and unity through sports in Akwa Ibom State.
References
- ^ Governor Umo Eno (sportsration.com)