Gov Aide meets Sport Stakeholders ahead of Patience Umo Eno Memorial Football Tournament 

Gov Aide meets Sport Stakeholders ahead of Patience Umo Eno Memorial Football Tournament 

Preparations for the maiden edition of the Patience Umo Eno Memorial Football Tournament, scheduled for September 2025, are in full swing as Comrade Victor Etangkanga, Special Assistant to Governor Umo Eno on Support Groups, on Thursday, August 7, 2025, met with the leadership of Football Association in Esit Eket Local Government Area.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Etangkanga, the convener of the tournament, stated that the event is put together to honour the memory of the late First Lady of the state, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, who, according to him, left an indelible mark on the lives of the people, Particularly himself through her selfless service, love and compassion.

Mr Victor Etangnkanga

The Governor’s aide explained that the tournament, which is designed to hold annually with teams from all Local Government Areas of the state in subsequent editions, will debut this year in Esit Eket with 10 teams drawn from the 10 wards in the area.

Etangkanga, the Progenitor of Ndito Patience Umo Eno, a socio-political group that campaigned for the election of the current government, disclosed that winning teams will go home with substantial prizes while other teams will receive participation rewards.

He further noted that the game will serve as a platform to discover and nurture football talents, as well as promote sports development and community engagement in Esit Eket LGA and the state at large.

Also speaking, Chairman, Esit Eket Football Association, Elder Imoh Edoho, expressed his excitement about the tournament, saying, that it will not only promote football in the local government area but also serve as a fitting tribute to the late First Lady’s legacy.

He pledge his commitment to working closely with the Governor’s aide and other members of the organising team to ensure the success of the tournament.

In his remarks, Honorable Supervisor for Youths and Sports, Hon Samuel Francis, described the event as timely, noting that it will engage the youths in meaningful sporting activities.

The meeting which was to engage key stakeholders in the tournament’s planning process to ensure a successful event, was also attended by Mr. Bassey Bassey, Chairman Local Organising Committee, Mr. Christian Ekpobia, Secretary LOC, Mr. Bright Inung, Mr. Paul Edoho and Mr. Mkpoikana Eyibo.

Further details on the tournament’s schedule, participating teams, and other logistical arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.