Itu Local Government Area has successfully retained its Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival crown after finishing atop the final medal standings at the 2026 edition.
The defending champions put up dominant performances across multiple disciplines to collect an impressive haul of 108 medals, comprising 59 gold, 33 silver, and 16 bronze, solidifying their status as the premier grassroots sports powerhouse in the state.
Uruan Local Government Area emerged as the most improved team of the festival, mounting a dramatic surge to secure second place overall with 83 total medals — 27 gold, 33 silver, and 23 bronze — moving up six places from their eighth place finish in the 2025 edition.
Meanwhile, Etinan Local Government Area completed the top three, claiming third place with 51 medals (23 gold, 15 silver, and 13 bronze), while Eastern Obolo and Obot Akara finished at the bottom of the table without registering a single medal.
The top three local government areas were officially presented with their trophies during a colorful closing ceremony at the Uyo Township Stadium.
Delivering the welcome address, Elder Paul Bassey, Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee and Honourable Commissioner for Sports Development, praised Governor Umo Eno for creating a stand-alone Ministry of Sports Development.
Bassey assured the administration that the ministry remains dedicated to unearthing raw talent across the state’s local communities.
Declaring the festival closed through his representative, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Governor Eno commended the organizing committee for running a seamless event.
He described the festival as a core driver of youth empowerment under his administration’s ARISE Agenda, emphasizing ongoing infrastructure investments like the Arise Resort sports facilities and the Sports Academy in Eket, which are designed to nurture local talent for national and international competition.
Reaffirming his commitment to rewarding excellence, Governor Eno highlighted previous state gestures, including cash prizes for Niger Delta Games athletes and automatic civil service appointments for state representatives at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
He assured all podium finishers and participating local government councils from the 2026 games that they would be handsomely rewarded, while also offering praise to local government chairmen and sports supervisors for their vital support.
The ceremonial finale featured a vibrant cultural display by the Ministry of Arts and Culture alongside a parade of athletes from all 31 local government areas.
Dignitaries took the official salute during the march-past, drawing the curtains on another successful celebration of Akwa Ibom youth and athletic potential.
