From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
Following the lighting of the Torch of Unity for the 2026 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival by His Excellency, Governor 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 Organising Committee (LOC) and approved by the Main Organising Committee (MOC), two Torches of Unity have been provided for the exercise and will move simultaneously along two routes during the four-day tour.
The two groups 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, September 16, the Torch will visit nine Local Government Areas.
Uruan and Essien Udim will receive the Torch at 9:00 a.m.; Nsit Atai and Ikot Ekpene at 11:00 a.m.; Ibesikpo Asutan and Obot Akara at 1:00 p.m.; and Nsit Ibom and Ikono at 3:00 p.m., before the Torch arrives at Ini Local Government Council at 5:00 p.m.
On Thursday, September 17, the Torch will continue its journey to Nsit Ubium and Abak at 9:00 a.m.; Etinan and Etim Ekpo at 11:00 a.m.; Eket and Oruk Anam at 1:00 p.m.; Esit Eket and Ukanafun at 3:00 p.m.; and finally Ibeno and Ika at 5:00 p.m.
The tour will continue on Friday, September 18, with Okobo and Onna scheduled for 9:00 a.m.; Mkpat Enin and Urue-Offong/Oruko at 11:00 a.m.; Ikot Abasi and Oron at 1:00 p.m.; Eastern Obolo and Udung Uko at 3:00 p.m.; before the Torch arrives at Mbo Local Government Area at 5:00 p.m.
On the final day, Saturday, September 19, the Torch will move to Itu at 10:00 a.m., proceed to Ibiono Ibom at 12:00 noon and arrive at Uyo Local Government Area at 3:00 p.m., marking the completion of its tour of the 31 Local Government Areas.
As emphasised by the Governor, the burning flame of the Torch of Unity symbolises the aspirations, dreams, friendship, sportsmanship, unity and pursuit of excellence that will define the participation of athletes and officials throughout the festival.
Beyond its ceremonial significance, the torch tour is expected to further build excitement and a sense of collective ownership of the games across the state.
The opening ceremony of the 2026 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival is scheduled for Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at Uyo Township Stadium, where athletes and officials from across the 31 Local Government Areas will converge for the commencement of the competition.
