Akwa Ibom Delivers ₦10M Governor’s Cup Prize To Ikot Abasi

Months after the conclusion of the 2023 Governor’s Cup, the Akwa Ibom State Government has officially disbursed cash rewards to the tournament’s top performers, fulfilling Governor Umo Eno’s earlier pledge to boost grassroots sports development.

In a symbolic cheque presentation ceremony held on July 1, 2025, Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, the eventual champions of the highly competitive tournament, received ₦10 million, double the original prize.

Uyo LGA, who finished as runners-up, were awarded ₦6 million, while Urue Offong Oruko, the third-place team, got ₦4 million for their effort in edging out Essien Udim in the bronze match.

The prize increments align with Governor Umo Eno’s earlier directive to double the initial prize structure of ₦5m, ₦3m, and ₦2m respectively, in a move aimed at elevating grassroots football and sports development across the state’s 31 LGAs.

Elder Paul Bassey, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, presented the cheques to the LGA Chairmen at the event, which was also graced by the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom Football Association and several local government officials.

With the long-awaited prize disbursement now complete, focus shifts to the Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival, approved during the June 2025 State Executive Council meeting. The festival is expected to serve as a broader platform for unearthing and nurturing sporting talent across the state.

The timely fulfillment of this financial commitment reinforces the administration’s vision of leveraging sports as a vehicle for youth empowerment, community pride, and long-term development.

Sports247.ng