DEVELOPMENT

 RT. HON. ENGR. OTO-OBONG OKON ESSIEN CELEBRATES IKONO MEDAL WINNERS AT NATIONAL SPORTS COMPETITIONS


----Sets to Establish Sports Academy in Ikono

By Julius Nsikak, Ikono




A memorable day, Monday, 12th May 2025, will be etched in the minds of Ikono indigenes who won medals at the recently concluded 2025 Niger Delta Sports Festival and MTN CHAMPS track race tournament, as Rt. Hon Engr Oto-Obong Essien , COP, Chairman of Ikono Local Government Council, organised a grand reception ceremony to honour their milestone achievements and celebrate their success in making Ikono proud.


The ceremony, which took place at the Council Hall of Ikono Local Government Headquarters, Ibiaku Ntok Okpo, drew a massive turnout of stakeholders who gathered to recognise and celebrate the exceptional talents of Ikono indigenes.


Addressing the crowd, Rt. Hon. Essien expressed delight at the event's success and commended the skills of Ikono youths for showcasing their abilities and perseverance. "I am here to represent my governor and express appreciation to our youths who fought tirelessly to achieve these remarkable recognitions at the national level. We are here to recognise and assure you all of the government's support," the chairman stated.


Engr. Essien reiterated her administration's commitment to supporting and backing young Ikono athletes, advising them to remain steadfast and strong for better days ahead, while disclosing her plans to establish a sports academy in Ikono to train and encourage sports talents for further development.


Recounting her contributions to sports journey and successes in Ikono while she served as councillor representing Ikono legislative council, Ikono Council Chairman encouraged the sports participants to stay focused and take their academic pursuits seriously, and keep their spirit of sportsmanship alive. 


Her words, "The government of the day is right behind you to support you in all your needs. I will support you all to ensure your presence is registered at the international level."


Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of Ikono Local Government Council, Ukai (Hon.) John Bassey, lent his voice to commend all Ikono athletes for making Ikono proud and told them to stay alert for more and greater opportunities.


In their respective goodwill messages, Prof. Ubong Essien, Commissioner for Education, represented by Madam Koko-mma Bassey; Wife of Former Chairman, Mrs. Oto-Obong  Okuibu; Miss Akwa Ibom State, Queen Unwana Philip Obot ; Ikono Council Secretary, Hon. Bassey Umo ; Leader of Ikono Legislative Council, Hon. Saviour Ebong; Dean of Supervisors and Special Advisers, Barr. Nsima Akang, and others, congratulated the young Ikono athletes who won medals at the competitions and admonished them to keep up, while assuring them of a beautiful and fulfilled future.


Earlier, the Special Assistant to the Chairman on Sport, Comrade Emmanuel Boniface, expressed great delight at the victory achieved by Ikono young athletes, noting that out of nine gold medal winners from Akwa Ibom State at the Nigeria Delta Sports Festival, Ikono produced five gold winners, making the list.


 He extolled the Chairman for hosting such a grand reception in honour of the medal winners, lauding her for being the first to celebrate young sport athletes in Ikono.


However, one of the female medal winners expressed her joy and thanked the Chairman for receiving and celebrating athletes, pledging that they will stay steady to attain greater heights in their ambition.


Ikono Gold Medalists include;  Inimfon Umoren (High jump), Solomon Usoro (Long jump), Abasiubong Okpon ( Relay Race, 4×100), Ekikere Frank (100metre), Odot Effiong (Relay Race, 4×400 mixed), Nsikak Francis ( Relay Race, 4×400 mixed), Ndiana Sampson (High jump), Dorcas okon (Boxing), Esther Effiong (Weightlifting), Anyanime Sunday (Relay), Edidiong Kenneth (Relay), Etinyene Udo and Edidiong Sam (High jump).

Silver Medalists include; Solomon Okonna (1500metres), Captain Ubong Usoro (Masters) and Unyime Umoh (Masters).

Bronze Medalists are  Uwakmfon Ekpo (Discuss) and Nseno Aniefiok (Javelin).

 Meanwhile, the ceremony featured several presentations by Chairman Essien to the Ikono medal winners and many other glamorous activities.

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