Akwa Ibom’s Governor Eno Orders Return of Inter-House Sports

In a major move to revitalize grassroots sports and unearth new talent, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has directed the immediate revival of inter-house and inter-school sports competitions. The directive was issued at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival, an event the governor described as a testament to his administration’s commitment to sports development.

Addressing a crowd of athletes, officials, and sports enthusiasts, Governor Eno emphasized that inter-house sports are the foundation for building future sports stars. “That is where talents can be harnessed. We can catch them young,” he said, recalling how past Nigerian legends were discovered through such competitions. He ordered the Ministries of Education and Sports Development to collaborate and make these events a regular feature on the state’s calendar.

The revival of school sports is a central pillar of the governor’s ARISE Agenda, a strategic vision aimed at using sports and tourism as key drivers for economic growth and youth engagement. To back this vision, Governor Eno assured the public that his administration would provide the necessary funding to ensure the successful implementation of the program.

The governor’s commitment extends beyond school sports. He recently approved the establishment of a sports academy in Eket and has been acquiring world-class sporting equipment to help the state’s athletes compete at national and international levels. This comprehensive approach is designed to create a clear pathway for young Akwa Ibom athletes from the grassroots to global success.