Mfon Patrick
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has been honoured as the “Football Friendly Governor of the Year 2025” by the Nigeria Pitch Awards in recognition of his administration’s commitment to the development and promotion of football and sports in the state.
The prestigious award was presented during the 12th Nigeria Pitch Awards ceremony held at Ibis Hotel, Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos, for performances in 2025 football season. Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, also emerged as the “Football Pitch of the Year.”
Governor Eno who first won the Award in 2024, expressed appreciation to the organisers for the recognition, describing the honour as a reflection not only of his administration’s efforts but also of the passion, dedication and achievements of athletes, footballers, coaches, sports administrators and young people across Akwa Ibom State.
According to the Governor, his administration views sports, particularly football, as a powerful vehicle for youth development, talent discovery, healthy recreation and social cohesion, stressing that investment in sports is ultimately an investment in the dreams and future of young people.
He highlighted some of the administration’s interventions in the sector, including the organisation of the Akwa Ibom Sports Festival, purchase of sports equipment and construction of Ibom gym facility, and support for the state’s participation in the National Sports Festival, National Youth Games and NDDC Games. He also noted the sustained development of sports academies aimed at creating opportunities for young talents to develop their skills and pursue careers in sports.
The Governor represented by Mr Anthony Isonguyo, further linked the administration’s sports development efforts with its broader youth empowerment agenda, citing the establishment of Youth Development Centres across the 31 Local Government Areas, Creative Development Centres, ICT Hubs, Recreation Lounges and Co-working Spaces, as well as the training and empowerment of over 10,000 youths and SMEs through various programmes.
While dedicating the award to the sporting community in Akwa Ibom, Governor Eno commended the athletes and other stakeholders whose passion and determination continue to bring honour to the state.
He assured the Nigeria Pitch Awards and the people of Akwa Ibom that the administration’s ARISE Agenda would continue to support initiatives that promote sports excellence, discover talents and create pathways of opportunity for young people.
The twin honours further underscore Akwa Ibom’s growing profile as a leading destination for football and sports development in Nigeria.
