RismadarVoice Reporters, July 6, 2026
Akwa Ibom State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to sports development, announcing that preparations are in advanced stages for the 2026 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival as part of efforts to promote talent discovery and youth development.
Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, disclosed this on Monday while receiving the Deputy National Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Comrade Bonny Nyong, and members of his delegation in Uyo.
Umanah said Governor Umo Eno remains committed to institutionalising the State Sports Festival as an annual event, describing sports as a vital instrument for youth empowerment, social cohesion and human capital development under the ARISE Agenda.
He explained that the planning committee for the 2026 festival was already working on arrangements, adding that the State Executive Council would announce the date after considering the committee’s report.
“The Akwa Ibom State Government is passionate about sports development. We are already at the planning stage for this year’s Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival. Once the committee presents its report to the State Executive Council, a date will be announced,” he said.
The Commissioner also congratulated Comrade Bonny Nyong on the successful completion of his first tenure as Deputy National Chairman of SWAN, commending his contributions to sports journalism and describing his decision to seek re-election as constitutional and worthy of support.
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Media, Comrade Amos Etuk, said the delegation visited to formally inform the Commissioner of Nyong’s re-election bid and seek the support of the state government.
Etuk noted that sports remain a strategic sector for youth engagement and economic development, while applauding Governor Umo Eno for revitalising sports through the ARISE Agenda.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, praised the Information Commissioner for his support to journalists and appealed for his backing of Nyong’s candidature in the forthcoming National SWAN election.
In his remarks, Comrade Bonny Nyong expressed appreciation to the Commissioner and the state government for their continued support for sports development, stating that his decision to seek another term was aimed at consolidating achievements recorded during his first tenure and advancing sports journalism in Nigeria.
