Commissioners Brainstorm On 2026 Akwa Ibom Sports Festival

Thursday August 20, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng

By Mfon PATRICK

The Main Organising Committee (MOC) of the Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival has intensified preparations for the 2026 edition of the state-wide sporting fiesta, as the committee on Thursday, August 20, brainstormed on critical plans and modalities for the successful hosting of the festival.

The meeting, presided over by the Chairman of the MOC and Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, brought together key members of the state executive council and senior officials of the Ministry of Sports.

In attendance were the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerete Ekanem; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anieti Udofia; Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Essien; Commissioner for Information, Dr. Aniekan Umana; Commissioner for Women Affairs Mrs Inibehe Silas, Secretary of the committee and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports, Mrs. Rosemary Ubia, as well as Directors in the Ministry of Sports. Other members of the Committee are Mkpisong Frank Archibong, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Nsikak Ekong, Commissioner for Environment and Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs Hon Emem Ibanga.

Addressing the committee, Elder Bassey disclosed that an online portal has been created to facilitate the digital registration of athletes and officials from all 31 Local Government Areas of the state.

He also announced that Golf would be included in the festival calendar, stressing that a minimum of ten Local Government Areas must indicate interest in a particular sport before such an event would be included in the 2026 festival programme.

The Commissioner further informed members of the committee that the official commencement date of the festival is subject to the approval of the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, who had earlier approved the hosting of the sporting event this year.

According to him, the festival is expected to be concluded before the commencement of the 2026/2027 academic session in September, in order to avoid disruption to the state’s academic calendar.

The MOC also agreed that the festival would be hosted at venues within Uyo, the state capital, to facilitate effective supervision, monitoring and tracking of athletes throughout the competition.

To further strengthen the quality and professionalism of officiating, the committee disclosed plans to engage the services of qualified technical officials from neighbouring states.

The committee also encouraged all Local Government Areas to put the necessary structures and preparations in place ahead of the festival, assuring that both the Main Organising Committee (MOC) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) would continue to engage and brainstorm with relevant stakeholders towards ensuring a successful and memorable 2026 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival.

The meeting is part of ongoing efforts by the state government to establish a well-organised, competitive and sustainable sports festival capable of identifying talents and providing a platform for young athletes across the 31 Local Government Areas to showcase their abilities.

The next meeting of the Committee will be held with the Local Government Chairmen.