Three athletes from Akwa Ibom State who won medals at the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland will on September 22nd receive rewards from their government in recognition of their achievements, Sports247 reports.
The honour will go to gold medalist Edidiong Umoafia and silver-winning Ruth Nyong for their feats in respective weightlifting categories as well as to Enku Ekuta who clinched bronze in judo.
The heroic trio’s impending day of recognition was made known in the state capital, Uyo, by the governor, Pastor Umo Eno, who also announced automatic civil service employment for them.
Governor Eno said the rewards, which he announced at a lighting ceremony for the 2026 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival’s Torch of Unity, are in recognition of the trio’s performances that brought honour to the state and Nigeria.
Governor Eno congratulated the athletes for their hard work, discipline and dedication, which he referred to as the foundation of their success on the international stage.
He then directed the commissioner for dports development, Elder Paul Bassey, to make arrangements for them to be formally rewarded during the opening ceremony of the festival scheduled to begin upper Tuesday, September 22.
A press release added, “He also directed the Head of the State Civil Service to formalise their employment and ensure that they are posted to the Ministry of Sports development
“The gesture underscores Governor Eno’s commitment to rewarding sporting excellence and motivating athletes to reach greater heights.
“It also reinforces the state government’s drive to use sports as a tool for youth empowerment, talent development and positive representation of Akwa Ibom on the national and international stage.”
