BY SOLOMON OKPO
Akwa Ibom athletes who represented Nigeria at the African Weightlifting Championships in Egypt have returned home with medals and praises for the sports development initiatives of Governor Pastor Umo Eno under the ARISE Agenda, after recording impressive performances that also secured qualification for the Commonwealth Games.
The athletes, Ruth Nyong and Edidiong Umuofia, were celebrated for their outstanding achievements at the continental competition. Ruth Nyong clinched three gold medals in the 45kg category, while Edidiong Umuofia won one gold and two silver medals in the 71kg category.
Receiving the athletes and officials of the Akwa Ibom State Weightlifting Association in his office, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, commended the duo for making both the state and Nigeria proud on the international stage.
Elder Bassey described their success as another testament to the growing sports renaissance in Akwa Ibom State and reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Umo Eno to sports development, youth empowerment, and talent discovery.
According to the Commissioner, the establishment of a standalone Ministry of Sports has significantly transformed the sporting sector in the state, leading to remarkable achievements across different competitions.
“The creation of a standalone sports ministry is one of the best things to happen to sports in Akwa Ibom State, and the harvest has been enormous,” he stated.
He praised the athletes for their discipline, dedication, and professionalism, urging them to remain focused as they prepare for future international competitions, including the Commonwealth Games.
Also speaking, the Vice President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, Lawrence Iquaibom, expressed gratitude to Governor Umo Eno, the Commissioner for Sports, and the Ministry of Sports for their consistent support toward the development of weightlifting in the state.
Mr. Iquaibom noted that the athletes’ achievements reflected the state government’s sustained investment in sports infrastructure, athlete welfare, and capacity building.
A visibly excited Elder Bassey reiterated that the state government values athletes who continue to place Akwa Ibom on the global sports map through excellence and dedication.
He explained that this informed the introduction of reward systems aimed at motivating outstanding athletes, citing the recent maiden State Sports Festival where medal-winning athletes received financial rewards for their performances.
The Sports Commissioner further applauded Governor Umo Eno for his sustained commitment to sports development and youth empowerment and encouraged young people across the state to remain committed to developing their talents through sports.
Highlight of the visit was the presentation of medals won at the African Championships to the Sports Commissioner by the athletes.
Present during the visit were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports, Mrs. Rosemary Ubia; Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Weightlifting Association, Mr. Isaac Ikono; coaches, and other officials of the association.
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