Uyo, Nigeria — It was a night of excitement and celebration on Saturday 13th September, 2025 as Governor Umo Eno of the oil rich Akwa Ibom State rewarded medalists with cash prizes at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival, held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
The festival, which featured athletes from all the Local Government Areas of the state competing in various sporting events, climaxed with Governor Eno personally presenting monetary rewards to gold, silver, and bronze medalists, in what many described as a “Naira rain” for outstanding performers. Over 3,600 athletes from the 31 local government areas competed in 18 individual and five team sports, showcasing what the Governor described as “an infectious spirit of unity, brotherhood, sportsmanship, and peace.”
Addressing athletes, officials, and spectators, the governor said the gesture was aimed at encouraging young talents and motivating them to pursue excellence in sports. He reaffirmed his administration’s total commitment to sports development, promising sustained investment in infrastructure, training, and talent discovery.
The Governor announced cash rewards for all medalists from the 31 Local Government Areas as follows: ₦500,000 for gold, ₦250,000 for silver, and ₦150,000 for bronze winners. He revealed that athletes who excelled at the just-concluded National Youth Games in Asaba, where Akwa Ibom placed 7th with 11 gold, 9 silver, and 10 bronze medals, will also benefit from the package and receive further training at the State’s Sports Academy in Eket.
In addition, local governments were recognized for their participation, with ₦15 million awarded to the overall winner, ₦10 million to second place, ₦5 million to third, while all other LGAs received ₦2 million each.
Governor Eno directed the Sports Ministry and the Inter-Ministerial Organizing Committee, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, to begin preparations for next year’s edition and also revive inter-house sports and football competitions across secondary schools. He recalled that legends such as Etim Esin, James Etokebe, and the late Uwem Ekarika emerged from such grassroots contests.
“Sports is not just about competition, it is about discipline, character building, and creating opportunities for our young people,” Governor Eno stated. “We will continue to support our athletes and provide them with the right environment to thrive and bring glory to Akwa Ibom and Nigeria.”
The governor also assured that his administration would strengthen grassroots sports programs and revive school competitions to ensure continuous talent grooming across the state.
Earlier in a remark, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Paul Sports Bassey, commended the governor for his unwavering support, noting that the festival had not only promoted unity but also showcased Akwa Ibom’s abundant sporting potential.
The closing ceremony featured cultural displays, musical performances, and the presentation of trophies to winning contingents, with Itu Local Government Area emerging overall champions of the festival, followed by Ikot Ekpene and Uyo as silver and bronze winners. Ukanafun, Okobo, Essien Udum and Abak Local Government returned home without a single medal
Athletes and spectators applauded the governor’s gesture, describing it as a morale booster for young talents.
With the successful conclusion of the sports festival, stakeholders expressed optimism that Akwa Ibom will continue to produce champions who will excel on the national and international stage.
