Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has launched the State Sports Festival, aimed at identifying talents across 18 different sports competitions in the 31 local government areas.
At the opening ceremony of the sporting event held at Uyo Township Stadium, Eno highlighted that the festival serves as a talent scouting platform, which will subsequently lead to the nurturing of these talents at the proposed Sports Academy in Eket Local Government Area.
Tagged “Nurturing Talents, Promoting Tourism,” Eno explained that the Sports Festival would also work to enhance tourism within the state.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Governor Eno noted that sports have become a lucrative industry worldwide, necessitating substantial investment to boost tourism.
“The opening ceremony of the Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival signifies our commitment to promoting sports, discovering talent, and showcasing the state’s potential on the global sports stage,” he stated.
He emphasised the need to uncover new talents, help them grow, and connect them with agents and managers at various levels, allowing them to flourish in the way that others have in the world of sports.
“Today, we see examples such as Bukayo Saka of Arsenal Football Club, whose parents hail from the southwest of Nigeria, and Trust Akpom, whose lineage traces back to our beloved Ekiti Local Government.
“We also celebrate the WBO heavyweight boxing champion, Moses Itauma, whom I had the pleasure of meeting and honouring just a few days ago in London.
“Additionally, Ime Udoka, who has become the head coach of one of the most prestigious basketball franchises in the United States, the Boston Celtics, has his roots in our state.”
Governor Eno expressed concerns over the lack of modern sports equipment in the state, stating that this deficiency has contributed to its underwhelming performance in sports events beyond its borders.
“The absence of contemporary equipment has long been a reason for our inability to achieve success at major national and international sporting events,” he lamented.
“We have taken the necessary steps, and we hope that with the provision of these resources, our narrative will change.”
As the theme of this year’s event boldly asserts—nurturing talents, promoting tourism.
The State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, commended the governor for organising the week-long sports festival in alignment with the Arise Agenda blueprint for both the sports and tourism sectors.
