Governor Umo Eno, Sports Development and a Robust Economy 

Governor Umo Eno, Sports Development and a Robust Economy 
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‎By Mfon Bassey
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‎According to the United Nations Office on Sports for Development and Peace, UNOSDP, sports play a very significant role in the economy of the world through a consistent contribution to economic development, job creation and infrastructure growth.
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‎There is no doubt that sports is a dominant factor in building a robust and viable economy of any state.
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‎It is within this context that Governor Eno has prioritized sports and made it a key component for youth development, engagement and empowerment.
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‎His vision for Sports was shaped few months after he was sworn in when he hosted the Akwa Ibom Dialogue on July 23, 2025.
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‎The event gathered a cross section of professionals from all sectors of the economy and aimed to identify and activate the various sectors and make them workable.
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‎The result of that engagement soon began to bear fruits kicking off with the setting up of a stand-alone Ministry of Sports.
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‎Then there was the rebirth of the Akwa Ibom State Governor’s Cup which was halted for over twelve years.
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‎Furthermore, the Governor gave an express approval for the construction of a state-of-the-art Sports Academy in Eket which will help in nurturing future talents, educate youths, promote tourism and most importantly, assist in building a vibrant economy through export of talents.
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‎The Academy is going to be a massive edifice, it will be an aesthetic marvel with facilities such as an Olympic- size swimming pool, football field, classroom blocks, conference hall and hostels etc.
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‎To mine raw talents in the the state, Governor Umo has further approved the hosting of first-ever Akwa Ibom Sports Festival.
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‎The Sports festival is primed to be one of the nation’s biggest sports events, with the 31 Local Government Areas competing amongst themselves in 18 sports.
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‎That is not all, Governor Eno sees sports as another avenue to boost tourism in the state; which is reason sports facilities are part of the ARISE Park, a new development that is sure to get International attention.
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‎The Park is a multiple Sports complex for children and adults as well as a 9- hole golf course.
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‎Talking of Sports Tourism, the continued maintenance of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium which has become the approved base for the Nigerian national team, Super Eagles and the Ibom Golf Course, are testaments to the Governor’s commitment.
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‎Mention must also be made of the over N300millon spent on new sports equipment, which is the first time in 14 years such a huge investment would be made in the sector.
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‎In fact, Governor Eno’s investment in sports would ultimately lead to a prosperous and robust economy, while empowering and exposing the youths.