The National Sports Commission (NSC) has honoured Akwa Ibom teenage athlete, Jacinta Lawrence Andrew, with a cash reward of ₦3 million after naming her the Outstanding Junior Athlete of 2025.
The presentation took place on Friday, March 13, 2026, at her school, Community Secondary Commercial School, Ibiaku Itam, in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, shortly after school hours.
Officials of the National Sports Commission flew in from Abuja for the ceremony, which was attended by the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, who was represented by the Director of Coaching in the Ministry of Sports, Mrs Catherine Ekuta. Other directors and officials of the ministry, teachers, and Jacinta’s schoolmates were also present.
The recognition was part of the NSC Appreciation Tour, which made a significant stop in Uyo to celebrate young Nigerian athletes who have performed well and continue to inspire others through their dedication and achievements.
One of the major highlights of the visit was the recognition of Jacinta, an SS2 student who has quickly emerged as one of Nigeria’s most promising young athletes.
Jacinta first gained national attention when she won a silver medal in the girls’ 400 metres at the maiden African School Games in Algeria. She later went on to win gold in the same event at the African Youth Games in Angola.
She was also recently part of the Nigerian team that qualified the country for the World Athletics Relays, an impressive achievement for a student still in secondary school.
Speaking during the presentation, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, said the Appreciation Tour represents a new approach to celebrating and motivating athletes across the country.
“This Appreciation Tour is about recognising hard work, discipline, and excellence wherever we find it across the country. When young athletes see that their sacrifices and performances are valued, it inspires them to aim higher and assures them that the nation stands firmly behind them,” Olopade said.
He added that supporting young athletes like Jacinta is part of the Commission’s long-term plan to strengthen Nigeria’s sports talent development.
“Jacinta, like many others, represents the future of Nigerian sports. For someone still in secondary school to achieve so much on the continental stage shows the great potential we have in our young people, and it is our responsibility to nurture and support them,” he added.
In recognition of her achievements and dedication, the Commission presented Jacinta with a ₦3 million cash reward.
In his remarks, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, represented by Mrs Catherine Ekuta, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Sports Commission for introducing what he described as a morale-boosting reward system for athletes.
Speaking further, the Commissioner said the reward aligns with the efforts of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, who has continued to support sports development in the state.
“Rewards like this are in line with what Governor Umo Eno is already doing in Akwa Ibom State. In 2025, the governor rewarded medallists from the National Youth Games and the Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival, and Jacinta was one of the major beneficiaries.
“In line with the ARISE Agenda of the Pastor Umo Eno-led administration, the state government remains committed to doing even more to ensure that athletes like Jacinta continue to excel, while also discovering and developing more young talents who will make the state and the country proud,” he said.
An emotional Jacinta thanked the National Sports Commission for the honour and also expressed appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for what she described as a sports revolution in Akwa Ibom State.
She said the governor’s support for sports is already producing positive results, pointing to the state’s performance at the just concluded Niger Delta Games.
“I am very grateful to the National Sports Commission for believing in me. This recognition encourages me to keep training and to make Nigeria proud,” Jacinta said.
“I also want to thank Governor Umo Eno for the support he is giving to sports in Akwa Ibom State. The encouragement we are receiving is helping many young athletes to perform better.
“We saw the results at the recent Niger Delta Games where Akwa Ibom finished fourth with 55 medals, improving from the first edition where the state finished sixth with 39 medals. It shows that sports in the state is moving forward,” Jacinta added.
The Appreciation Tour is part of the Commission’s efforts to recognise excellence, encourage emerging talents, and promote grassroots sports development across Nigeria.
