The Chairman of Oruk Anam Local Government, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sunday Festus has lauded athletes and contingents from his local government for their outstanding performance at the 2025 Akwa Ibom Sports Festival, while also commending Governor Pastor Umo Eno for his historic commitment to grassroots sports development.
Speaking during the closing/medal presentation ceremony held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Uyo Sports Stadium, Elder Festus joined by his wife, Deaconess (Mrs) Juliana Sunday, congratulated the Oruk Anam contingents for their discipline, unity, and resilience throughout the festival.
He described them as worthy ambassadors of the local government who made their people proud.
“Our athletes have made Oruk Anam proud. Beyond medals, they have demonstrated courage, resilience, and the true Akwa Ibom spirit. I thank His Excellency for giving our youths this golden opportunity to shine,” he stated.
The Council boss further applauded Governor Eno for creating a platform that rekindled the spirit of unity across all 31 LGAs, noting that the festival has opened new doors for the discovery of young talents.
Earlier, Governor Umo Eno, in his address, reaffirmed his administrationโs dedication to sports and tourism development under the ARISE Agenda, describing the festival as a resounding success. He lauded the Inter-Ministerial Organizing Committee, led by Sports Commissioner Elder Paul โSportsโ Bassey, for staging the first edition of the event 15 years.
Over 3,600 athletes competed in 18 individual and five team sports, which the Governor hailed as a true celebration of unity, brotherhood, sportsmanship, and peace.
Highlighting the economic value of sports, Governor Eno said:
โSports is a multi-billion-dollar global industry, the reason why it features prominently as a cardinal point of our sports tourism drive under the ARISE Agenda.
The theme of this festival: Nurturing Talents, Promoting Tourism, captures our strategic vision to grow beyond oil and position Akwa Ibom as a hub for sports and tourism.โ
The Governor then announced cash rewards for medalists: โฆ500,000 for gold, โฆ250,000 for silver, and โฆ150,000 for bronze winners.
Athletes who excelled at the recent National Youth Games in Asaba, where Akwa Ibom placed 7th with 11 gold, 9 silver, and 10 bronze medals, will also benefit and undergo further training at the Sports Academy in Eket.
To recognize the efforts of local governments, โฆ15 million was awarded to the overall winner, โฆ10 million to second place, โฆ5 million to third, and โฆ2 million each to all other LGAs.
Governor Eno further directed the Sports Ministry and Organizing Committee, working with the Ministry of Education, to begin preparations for the next edition of the festival.