By Jimmy Jackson
The Akwa Ibom State athletes contingents for the 22 National Sport Festival depart for Ogun state with a charge from Governor Umo Eno to be an ambassador of the state while competing clean with integrity and pride.
Speaking shortly before the contingent’s departure, the Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, who spoke on behalf of the governor at the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre on Friday, May 16, 2025 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, urged athletes to uphold values while representing the state.
“We would rather have ten gold medals with pride than witness indiscipline and any other actions that will bring shame to the State.”
He further advised the athletes to avoid any scandalous acts, stressing the importance of discipline and clean competition. “I am urging you to be very disciplined and compete clean. Above all, be good ambassadors of the State,” he said.
To ensure a smooth departure, the entire Akwa Ibom contingent was camped at the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre before heading to Ogun State. Dressed in the State’s traditional green and orange kits, the team departed in high spirits after exchanging pleasantries and sharing breakfast with Elder Paul Bassey and other top officials of the State’s Ministry of Sports.
Akwa Ibom will be competing in 23 different sports with a total of 359 athletes and 111 officials participating in the festival, which will host representatives from all 36 States of Nigeria including the FCT.
The 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, tagged “Gateway Games”, will officially begin on 16 March 2025. Events will take place at the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta and other approved centres across Ogun State. The Festival remains Nigeria’s biggest multi-sport competition, aimed at discovering and celebrating the country’s sporting talents.
