The 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom State will be drawn into a four-day mobilisation exercise from Wednesday as two Torches of Unity begin simultaneous tours ahead of the 2026 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival.

The tour, scheduled for September 16 to 19, is designed to take the festival’s message of unity, sportsmanship and participation to communities across the state before the opening ceremony on September 22.

The two torches, provided for the exercise, will travel along separate routes under the supervision of senior officials of the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Sports. The arrangement is intended to ensure that all 31 local government areas are covered within the four-day period.

The statewide tour follows the formal lighting of the Torch of Unity by Governor Umo Eno, and will commence on Wednesday with visits to Uruan, Essien Udim, Nsit Atai, Ikot Ekpene, Ibesikpo Asutan, Obot Akara, Nsit Ibom, Ikono and Ini.

The second day, Thursday, will take the symbolic flame through Nsit Ubium, Abak, Etinan, Etim Ekpo, Eket, Oruk Anam, Esit Eket, Ukanafun, Ibeno and Ika.

The exercise continues on Friday with stops at Okobo, Onna, Mkpat Enin, Urue-Offong/Oruko, Ikot Abasi, Oron, Eastern Obolo, Udung Uko and Mbo.

The final leg on Saturday will cover Itu, Ibiono Ibom and Uyo, bringing the torch tour to an end after visits to all 31 local government areas.

The Local Organising Committee said the itinerary was approved by the Main Organising Committee as part of preparations for the festival, which will bring athletes and officials representing the various local government areas together for competition.

Beyond its ceremonial role, the Torch of Unity is expected to generate wider public interest in the games and reinforce the idea of the sports festival as a statewide event rather than a competition limited to the host city.

The flame is also intended to represent the values underpinning the festival, including unity, friendship, sportsmanship, aspiration and the pursuit of excellence among participating athletes and officials.

The 2026 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival will officially open on Tuesday, September 22, at the Uyo Township Stadium, where delegations from the 31 local government areas are expected to converge for the commencement of the games.