In a bold move to reignite grassroots sports development and talent discovery, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has officially directed the revival of inter-house and inter-school sports competitions across all primary and secondary schools in the state.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival, Governor Eno emphasized the importance of early talent identification and the role of school-based competitions in nurturing future champions. “We must catch them young,” he declared, tasking the State Ministries of Education and Sports to collaborate with the festival’s Ministerial Organising Committee to implement the initiative statewide.
“Back in the day, inter-school sports were the breeding ground for stars who went on to shine globally. We are bringing that back—not just for competition, but to build unity, discipline, and pride among our youth,” Governor Eno stated.
The Governor’s directive aligns with his administration’s ARISE Agenda, which prioritizes sports tourism and youth empowerment. The just-concluded Sports Festival featured over 3,600 athletes from all 31 local government areas, competing in 18 individual sports and 5 team events, marking the first such festival in 15 years.
To support the revival, Governor Eno pledged adequate funding and announced plans to integrate the initiative into the state’s annual calendar. He also highlighted the upcoming commissioning of the Arise Resorts, which will feature world-class sporting facilities including a 9-hole golf course and indoor/outdoor pavilions.
This renewed focus on school sports is expected to create a pipeline of talent for national and international competitions, while fostering community engagement and promoting Akwa Ibom as a hub for sports tourism.