By Akintunde Akinsemola
The Akwa Ibom State Government has rewarded athletes who represented the state and won medals at the 2026 Niger Delta Games in Benin City, Edo State.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Umo Eno at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Tuesday, Sports Commissioner, Elder Paul Bassey announced a reward of N500,000 for each gold medal won, N250,000 for each silver medal won and N150,000 for each bronze medal won at the festival as the Akwa Ibom State Government’s way of appreciating the athletes for flying the state’s flag high.
Bassey also appreciated Governor Umo Eno for his commitment towards sports development as seen in the revival of the Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival, purchase of equipment for several sports, establishment of the Ibom Gym, launching of a new boxing ring and constant reward for athletes after regional, national and international competitions.
The Sports Commissioner also used the opportunity to encourage athletes to remain committed to their respective sports and draw inspiration from the automatic employment of Edidiong Umoafia (Commonwealth gold medalist in weightlifting), Ruth Nyong (Commonwealth silver medalist in weightlifting) and Enku Ekuta (Commonwealth bronze medalist in judo) into the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, bronze medalist in scrabble at the 2026 Niger Delta Games, Beulah Bassey expressed gratitude to the Governor Umo Eno – led administration for the reward and promised to collectively do their best to improve on Akwa Ibom’s performance in subsequent competitions.
Team Akwa Ibom finished fourth at the 2026 Niger Delta Games with a total of 55 medals; 16 gold, 17 silver and 22 bronze medals