Akwa Ibom rakes in 55 medals in golden revival

...Finishes fourth at Niger Delta Games

...Elder Paul Bassey, Mrs. Rosemary Ubia, as they rally athletes, reinforcing a renewed culture of professionalism

By Maxwell Kumoye 

 

 

 

Team Akwa Ibom delivered a statement performance at the second edition of the Niger Delta Games, clinching 55 medals to finish fourth overall in Benin City.

The feat is a leap that underscores what many now describe as a full-blown sports renaissance under the stewardship of His Excellency Governor Umo Eno.

The Games, held from February 20–27 in Benin City, brought together nine states and over 2,400 athletes in a week-long festival of grit and glory. 

For Akwa Ibom, it was more than just another outing, it was proof of steady growth.

After placing sixth at the maiden edition in Uyo last year, the state returned stronger, sharper and hungrier. 

This time, a 270-athlete contingent, backed by 46 officials and 12 support staff, competed in 16 sports and walked away with:

• 16 gold

• 17 silver

• 22 bronze 

It's a significant jump from the 37 medals recorded in the inaugural edition at home 'the land of promise' in 2025.

The medal surge reflects deliberate investments in sports development anchored on Governor Eno’s ARISE Agenda.

In less than three years, the administration revived the Governor’s Cup after over a decade in the shadows, hosted the MTN Championship, staged South-South elimination events for the National Sports Festival, and successfully organized the Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival.

It's noteworthy to mention that the State has also become a sports tourism hub, hosting the Nigeria national football team for AFCON and World Cup qualifiers, CAF Champions League matches, and the National Judiciary Games, a milestones that have repositioned Akwa Ibom on the national and continental sports map.

Behind the scenes, infrastructure and welfare reforms are powering the transformation. 

From the construction of a modern gymnasium which is first of its kind in the State to the development of the ARISE Sports Academy in Eket and the provision of modern equipment across associations

This landmark development and strategy, strong structures forms a solid foundation for sustained excellence.

In the ancient city of Benin, the impact was very clear. Akwa Ibom was dominant in: 

• Athletics

• Boxing

• Weightlifting

• Taekwondo

• Tennis

• Para-powerlifting

• Traditional wrestling

• Table tennis

• Scrabble, while swimming delivered a historic bronze which is a breakthrough in a sport globally known for its massive medal prospects.

Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, alongside Permanent Secretary Mrs. Rosemary Ubia, maintained a constant presence at competition venues, rallying the athletes and reinforcing a renewed culture of professionalism and motivation within the team.

With the second edition of the Akwa Ibom Sports Festival, the National Youth Games and the National Sports Festival ahead, Team Akwa Ibom’s trajectory points up ward. 

The recent medal haul is not just a number, it is a signal that the state’s athletes are ready for bigger stages, including potential invitations to the Commonwealth Games and other international meets.

From sixth to fourth. From 37 medals to 55. The numbers tell a story that Akwa Ibom is not just competing they are rewriting history.