Akwa Ibom's Hephzibah Okon Wins 800m Gold Medal

Hephzibah Okon, a teenage athlete from Akwa Ibom State, won a gold medal in the 800m event at the Niger Delta Games in Benin City. Her winning time was 2 minutes and 18 seconds.

Okon dedicated her medal to the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno, and expressed gratitude for the support from the state government and the sports commission, which motivated her to perform at her best. She has set her sights on representing Nigeria at senior-level competitions in the near future and has received an invitation to participate in the National Youth Festival alongside international junior athletes in 2025.

Okon pledged to continue her efforts to put Akwa Ibom State on the world sports map. The Niger Delta Games commenced on February 20 and will conclude on February 26, with the state contingent officially departing on February 27.

The event is organized by the Niger Delta Games and supported by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).