Akwa Ibom Sports Festival Unity Torch Begins Local Government Tour

Following the lighting of the Torch of Unity for the 2026 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival by His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, the symbolic flame will begin its journey across the 31 local government areas of the state on Wednesday, September 16 and conclude on Saturday, September 19, ahead of the official opening ceremony of the games.

According to a schedule released by the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and approved by the Main Organizing Committee (MOC), two Unity Torches have been provided for the exercise and will move simultaneously along two routes during the four-day tour. The two teams will be led by senior officials of the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Sports, with each team responsible for covering designated local government areas.

On Wednesday 16 September the Torch will visit nine municipalities. Uruan and Essien Udim will receive the Torch at 9:00 am; Nsit Atai and Ikot Ekpene at 11am; Ibesikpo Asutan and Obot Akara at 1pm; and Nsit Ibom and Ikono at 3pm, before the Torch arrives at Ini Local Government Council at 5pm

On Thursday 17 September the Torch will continue its journey towards Nsit Ubium and Abak at 9:00 am; Etinan and Etim Ekpo at 11am; Eket and Oruk Anam at 1pm; Eket and Ukanafun exit at 3pm; and finally Ibeno and Ika at 5pm

The tour will continue on Friday 18 September with Okobo and Onna scheduled for 9:00 am; Mkpat Enin and Urue-Offong/Oruko at 11am; Ikot Abasi and Oron at 1pm; Eastern Obolo and Udung Uko at 3pm; before the Torch arrives at Mbo Local Government Area at 5pm

On the final day, Saturday, September 19, the Torch will move to Itu at 10am, proceed to Ibiono Ibom at 12pm and arrive at Uyo Local Government Area at 3pm, marking the completion of its tour of the 31 local government areas.

As highlighted by His Excellency the Governor, the burning flame of the Torch of Unity symbolizes the aspirations, dreams, friendship, sportsmanship, unity and pursuit of excellence that will define the participation of athletes and officials during the festival. Beyond its ceremonial significance, the torch tour is expected to further create excitement and a sense of collective ownership of the games across the state.

The opening ceremony of the Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival 2026 is scheduled for Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at the Uyo Township Stadium where athletes and officials from all 31 local government areas will converge for the start of the competition.