The Akwa Ibom State Government has officially unveiled the logo for the 2025 Sports Festival, announcing that the week-long multi-sport event will run from September 8 to 13, 2025. The festival, themed “Nurturing Talents, Promoting Tourism,” is a flagship initiative of Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, which identifies sports as a vital driver of youth empowerment, human capital development, and economic growth. At a media briefing held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, the Inter-Ministerial Committee led by Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, disclosed that athletes from all 31 Local Government Areas will compete in 18 core sports, including Athletics, Boxing, Wrestling, Swimming, and Football. Demonstration events such as Golf, Cricket, Kokowa, and Ayo will also feature. Bassey noted that the Festival complements the administration’s ongoing investments in sporting infrastructure, such as the proposed Sports Academy, the 9-hole Golf Course, and facilities at the ARISE Resort. He described the Festival as “a platform to raise future champions while projecting Akwa Ibom as a hub for sports excellence and tourism.” Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, urged the media to give wide coverage to the landmark event, stressing its unifying role in promoting youth development and positioning Akwa Ibom on the national sports map. 

The colourful logo unveiling was witnessed by top government officials, including Commissioners for Culture & Tourism, Education, Women Affairs, Humanitarian Affairs, and Youth Development, as well as the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh.

With the 2025 Sports Festival, Akwa Ibom aims to not only celebrate athletic excellence but also harness sports as a catalyst for unity, tourism, and sustainable socio-economic growth.