Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has announced the immediate employment of three athletes who won medals for Nigeria at the Commonwealth Games, as the 2026 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival officially commenced in Uyo.
The governor made the announcement on Thursday in a post shared on his official X account after receiving the Unity Torch at the Governor’s Office Complex in Uyo.
Eno said sports remains a key component of his administration’s youth development agenda, describing it as a platform for talent discovery, empowerment and economic growth.
“The 2026 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival has commenced, and today I received the Unity Torch at the Governor’s Office Complex, Uyo,” the governor said.
He noted that Akwa Ibom athletes have continued to distinguish themselves in national and international competitions, citing the performances of Edidiong Umofia, Ruth Nyong and Enku Ekuta at the Commonwealth Games.
“Our athletes continue to make us proud, including Edidiong Umofia, Ruth Nyong and Enku Ekuta, who returned from the Commonwealth Games with gold, silver and bronze medals respectively,” he stated.
In recognition of their achievements, Eno said he had approved their immediate employment into the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Sports Development.
“In recognition of their achievements, I have directed their immediate employment into the State Ministry of Sports Development. We will continue to invest in our young people and create opportunities for them to excel,” he added.
The governor also provided an update on the ongoing Uyo Village Road erosion control, land reclamation and bridge construction project, expressing satisfaction with the pace of work.
According to him, the project will reclaim more than 150 hectares of land, safeguard nearby public facilities and support the state’s planned Uyo Downtown development, which includes residential estates and other infrastructure.
“Work is progressing steadily on the Uyo Village Road erosion control, land reclamation and bridge construction project, and I am pleased with the transformation already taking place,” Eno said.
He commended the contractor handling the project, AMITECH Construction, for the progress recorded and urged the company to sustain the quality and momentum of the work.
“I commend AMITECH Construction for the progress recorded so far and urge the team to maintain the pace and quality of work,” the governor stated.
