Eno flags off MTN Champs Season 3

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, on Tuesday, flagged off the MTN Champs Season 3, which intends to build young athletes into world-class champions nationwide.

During the official opening ceremony at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Eno urged other multinational companies in the country to emulate the good example of MTN in grassroots sports development.

The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Sports, Paul Bassey, said that grassroots sports development remains the cardinal point of his administration.

Eno said that government alone could not develop sports as it is capital intensive, stressing that there was need for multinationals organisations operating in the country to sponsor development of sports, especially grassroots sports.

He said that the state government had concluded plans to establish a Sports Academy to discover and nurture future champions.

Eno added that the MTN Champs season 3 would produce young athletes to represent the state and country in future Olympics.

The governor said that he has directed the Ministry of Sports to go down to the grassroots and schools to scout for young talent.

“We’re indeed very grateful for what MTN has done. We said some time ago, we pray that others will emulate the MTN example, because the government cannot do it alone.

“We need sponsors and partners to develop our youth.

“That is why we’re here, quite pleased that we are hosts of the MTN Champs season 3.

“If we have our way, we would have made an application for all the seasons to be held here, but we know that might not be possible, because we still have to go round this country, a country that has abundant talent all over.

“We have depleted champions in track and field. That is why this competition is dear to our hearts,” Eno said.

Eno said that with the hosting of MTN Champs season 3 in Uyo, the state will harvest more champions in the next five years.

Earlier, Ibe Etea, General Manager, Internal Audit & Forensic Services, MTN Nigeria, said that 2,400 athletes from 418 schools would showcase their talents during the competition.

He said the MTN Champs season 3 is a platform given to young Nigerians to shine, not just on locally, but on global stage.

Etea said that the season 3 began in Benin City with over 2,000 athletes and moved to Lagos with over 2,500 athletes from 155 schools registering for the event.

“We are here in Uyo, a city known for its hospitality and rising sporting culture.

“With over 2,400 athletes from 418 schools, the event will no doubt showcase exceptional talents across Akwa Ibom and the broader South-South region.

“The stakes are higher, the lights are brighter, and the talent on display is nothing short of world-class.

“At MTN, we believe in giving young Nigerians the platform to shine—not just on local fields, but on global stages. MTN Champs is more than a competition; it’s a movement. A pipeline. A promise.

“To our athletes: you are all champions, no matter the results. To our coaches, families, and schools: thank you for nurturing greatness. And to our partners and fans: thank you for believing in the dream,” he said.

Our correspondent reports that the highlight of the opening ceremony was the march past by participating athletes from across the country.