The 2026 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival Torch of Unity will begin its tour of the 31 Local Government Areas of the state on Wednesday, September 16, ahead of the opening of the games on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
Following its official lighting by the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, the symbolic flame is scheduled to tour the LGAs in 4 days, which will culminate on Saturday, September 19, to build momentum ahead of the upcoming games.
According to the schedule released by the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), two Torches of Unity will move simultaneously along dual routes.
The relay kicks off on Wednesday, September 16, making stops in Uruan, Essien Udim, Nsit Atai, Ikot Ekpene, Ibesikpo Asutan, Obot Akara, Nsit Ibom, Ikono, and culminating at Ini Local Government Council.
The tour continues on Thursday, September 17, and Friday, September 18, sweeping through more than twenty additional councils, including Nsit Ubium, Abak, Etim Ekpo, Etinan, Oruk Anam, Eket, Esit Eket, Ukanafun, Ibeno, Ika, Mkpat Enin, Oron, Urue Offong/Oruko, and Ikot Abasi, ensuring robust grassroots engagement.
On the final day of the relay, Saturday, September 19, the Torch will make its final stops in Itu and Ibiono Ibom before arriving triumphantly in Uyo Local Government Area at 3:00 p.m.
This grand arrival will mark the successful completion of the historic tour across all 31 regions of the state, uniting communities under the banner of athletic excellence.
The excitement will culminate at the official opening ceremony of the 2026 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival, scheduled for Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the Uyo Township Stadium.
Thousands of athletes and officials from the 31 Local Government Areas are expected to converge for the official commencement of the highly anticipated competition.
