Governor Eno Offers Jobs to Three Commonwealth Games Medalists

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has given job offers to three Commonwealth Games medallists in the state’s Ministry of Sports Development.

Mr Eno made this announcement on Friday in Uyo while welcoming the Unity Torch to kick off the 2026 Akwa Ibom Sports Festival.

The governor mentioned the medallists as Edidiong Umofia, who won gold in weightlifting; Ruth Nyong, who won silver in weightlifting; and Enku Ekuta, who won bronze in judo.

He said the job offers were meant to reward their achievements and inspire them to aim higher in sports.

Mr Eno called sports a “multi-billion-dollar industry.” He added that his government was focused on giving young people skills and chances to tap into its economic benefits.

The governor stated that the annual sports festival is a big step in sports development, especially in finding and nurturing talent at the grassroots.

“In 2025, we held the Akwa Ibom Sports Festival as part of our youth and sports development plan, which is part of the ARISE Agenda.

“The results of this event have been impressive and heartwarming. Many talented sportspeople have been found to represent the country in international tournaments,” he noted.

Mr Eno highlighted that the first edition of the festival brought great results, with many skilled athletes discovered who went on to compete for Nigeria at different levels.

He remembered that Akwa Ibom stood out at the recent Niger Delta Games in Benin City, taking home 16 gold, 17 silver, and 22 bronze medals.

The governor mentioned that athletes from the state have also represented Nigeria in various fields, including judo, wrestling, athletics, and weightlifting.

“Just recently, the state made history by sending three athletes as part of Nigeria's team to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, and they all returned with medals,” he said.

He praised the Commissioner for Sports Development, Paul Bassey, and the members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the festival for their efforts in promoting sports development.

In a chat with journalists, Mr Bassey thanked Governor Eno for what he called a great investment in sports and youth development.

He noted that Akwa Ibom has been making a name for itself in Nigeria’s sports history by discovering, nurturing, and promoting sports talent.

Mr Bassey mentioned that this event marked the start of the second edition of the Akwa Ibom Sports Festival, following the success of the first edition in 2025.

He praised the governor for launching a sports development initiative that creates opportunities for discovering grassroots talents.