Akwa Ibom's Unity Torch Relay Kicks Off for Sports Festival

The Unity Torch relay for the 2026 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival commenced on September 16, 2026, following its lighting by Governor Umo Eno on September 14. The relay, organized by the Inter-ministerial Committee in collaboration with the Local Organising Committee (LOC), has so far reached nine Local Government Areas: Uruan, Nsit Atai, Ibesikpo Asutan, Nsit Ibom, Essien Udim, Obot Akara, Ikot Ekpene, Ikono, and Ini.

The Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, is represented by two teams led by Directors in the Ministry, including Mrs Ntimkpo Udoaka and Mr Daniel Elijah Usip. They conveyed Bassey’s message that the torch symbolizes Governor Eno’s vision for grassroots sports development and youth empowerment under the ARISE Agenda.

Council chairmen receiving the torch expressed their support for the festival, viewing it as a platform for unity and talent discovery. The four-day relay will cover all 31 LGAs and conclude on September 19, with ten more councils scheduled to receive the torch on the same day.

The second edition of the Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival is set to officially begin on September 22.