By Bassey Ibiatisuho| Sports Recorder
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has urged corporate organizations across Nigeria to increase their sponsorship of sports initiatives as a way of complementing government efforts in talent development and national representation.
Speaking through the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, during a press conference at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Governor Eno commended telecommunications giant MTN for sustaining the MTN Champs competition, now in its third season.
He emphasized that improved performance by Nigerian athletes at international levels would only be achieved when the private sector collaborates meaningfully with the government to nurture sports talent from the grassroots.
Governor Eno described the MTN Champs as a welcome initiative that aligns with his administration’s vision for sports development. He revealed that plans are in motion to host the next edition of the Akwa Ibom Sports Festival, which has previously produced national athletes such as Aniekeme Alphonsus, Comfort James, and Imaobong Uko.
“We are very intentional about sports development in the state. Beyond organizing sports festivals that have unearthed numerous talents, my administration is setting up a world-class sports academy to groom talents discovered through corporate initiatives like the MTN Champs,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Education, Professor Ubong Umoh, lauded MTN for integrating educational advancement into its sporting programs. He advised athletes who will benefit from the scholarship component of the MTN Champs to seize the opportunity to shape a better future for themselves.
In her remarks, MTN Nigeria’s General Manager, Brand and Communications, Emmamoke Ogoro, said the ultimate goal is to see top talents from the competition representing Nigeria on international platforms within a year.
The MTN Champs Season 3 Grand Finale in Uyo will run from Tuesday, May 6 to Friday, May 9, 2025. The event will feature 2,187 athletes from 136 schools nationwide, including 464 Cadets, 777 Youths, 426 Juniors, and 520 Seniors.
