By Ekerette John Umanah
Globally, sports activities and its attendant development have become one of the major channels of bringing out the best in people. Sports create moments of creativity, joy, team spirit, relaxation, sense of community, and pride. They also remind us that beyond the hustle and bustle of daily life, everyone needs a reason to cheer, smile and forget about their worries for a while. The old sayings still holds true that ‘all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’. It is on this premise that the Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival promises to be more than just another sporting event. It is expected to be a celebration of talent, tourism, unity and hope and above all, a sense of community in our diversity.
Akwa Ibom has a proud and checked history of producing men and women who have risen from humble beginnings to stand on the world stage. The mention of Samuel Peters who once ruled the boxing world as Heavyweight Champion in 2008 and 2009 brings memories of how the sporting talent of a single Akwa Ibomite was translated into global recognition. Peters not only carried with him the boxing gloves but also the pride, culture and identity of his homeland. There is also William Troost Ekong, Super Eagles Captain with deep roots in the State who has led Nigeria with courage and dignity at the highest levels of continental and global football. Vincent Enyeama, another son of the soil remains a household name as one of the greatest goalkeeper in Africa and the most capped player in Nigeria as well as the likes of Friday Ekpo, James Etokebe and Uwem Ekarika of blessed memory. The list remains inexhaustible.
There are also new faces currently carrying the flag. They include Imaobong Nse Uko who rose to global attention by winning gold at the World U20 Championships. Helen Joseph known as the Iron Lady has fought for world titles in the United States. Others who have adorned the National colour include Emem Eduok, Ezekiel Bassey, Aniekeme Alphonsus, Edidiong Odiong, Emem Eduok, Nsima Peter, Aniekpeno Udo and Ubong Friday. Their stories showcases the wealth of talent that comes out of Akwa Ibom State – bountiful, unparalleled and fulfilling.
But this new wave of athletes did not emerge from the blues. The foundation was laid decades ago when inter School competitions and Local Club sides ruled the sporting scene across the State in the 1980s and 1990s. That was the golden era when boys and girls from humble beginnings competed with fire in their hearts, hoping to be spotted by coaches and scouts. Reigning Club slides such as The Jetimo FC of Uyo, Mobil Pegasus of Eket, Kofine FC of Ikot Ekpene, Palm Tigers FC of Abak and Everbright FC of Abak gave young people a platform to shine, and live out their sporting dream. Many of the players discovered in those days went on to wear the green and white jersey of Nigeria and represented the nation at international competitions with dignity and pride. It wasa proof that with the right opportunities, Akwa Ibom could stand tall among the best in the world.
This same spirit is what the Akwa Ibom Sports Festival seeks to revive.
It offers the chance to discover the next generation of Samuel Peters, Enyeama or Imaobong. Young people from villages, towns and schools will have the opportunity to be seen, heard or recognized. This is where raw speed from the sandy street of Ikot Ekpene may meet the discipline of professional coaching. This is where a girl from Eastern Obolo who runs with barefoot today may be wearing the national colours tomorrow. This is the human story of hope and courage where talent and creativity meets opportunity.
Beyond the athletes, the festival is an economic engine, one expected to spur tourism and cultural exchange. Hotels will fill up, markets will thrive, transporters will have more passengers, restaurants will serve more meals and cultural troupes will entertain visitors. The festival which has as its theme ‘Nurturing Talents, Promoting Tourism’ is not only about medals. It is also about showcasing the tourism potentials of the State.
Akwa Ibom has one of the most beautiful stadium in Africa: The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. It also has pristine beaches, resorts and a rich culinary culture.
Pastor Umo Eno the governor has made it crystal clear that his administration is people focused and that the Sports Festival speaks directly to that vision. The Governor has also approved the purchase of multiple sports equipment, which will further provide the youths with a platform to channel their energies into excellence rather than idleness. It will equally give parents and communities a reason to believe that the natural abilities of their children can open doors to scholarships, jobs and international careers. It is expected to plant confidence and courage in the hearts of boys and girls that their dreams are valid and achievable from anywhere in Akwa Ibom.
More importantly, it is about preparing the ground for the future. By investing in sports at the grassroots, the Governor is laying a solid foundation so that when the next edition of the National Sports Festival or any other major tournament is flagged off, Akwa Ibom will be ready to take the centre stage.
The excitement building up in the State since the pronouncement that the tournament will commence on September 8, 2025 is not only for the games but for the possibilities they represent. The festival will remind the world that Akwa Ibom is more than a State of Promise. It is a State that believes in nurturing talents. Its story is not written in isolation. It is written in the sweat of the young runner at Uyo Township Stadium. It is written in the fist of the young boxer who trains with tyres and ropes in Eket. It is written in the voices of fans who will cheer from the stance. Though the curtains will fall on September 13, it will not be the end of the tournament but the beginning of a new chapter in the story of Akwa Ibom sports under the wings of the ARISE Agenda.
-Ekerette Umanah is a Political Economist and a Policy Analyst.
