Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has reiterated his administration’s determination to position the state as a leading sports tourism destination in Africa, as golfers and investors converged on Calabar for the Governor’s Golf and Business Tournament at the Calabar Golf Club.
The event, which attracted participants from across the country including Ibadan, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Benin, Bonny Island, Uyo, and Abakaliki, was organised to blend sport, leisure, and business networking.
Governor Otu described the tournament as a boost to the state’s tourism drive, noting that Cross River was fast reclaiming its place as a preferred destination for leisure, sports, and investment.
“We are looking to promote golf and other sports with strong attraction value. Cross River is a tourist destination competing with anywhere in Africa, and we want visitors coming for our festivals to enjoy our greenery, culture, and sports facilities,” he said.
Otu, who expressed delight that the competition was held in his honour, said the state was committed to encouraging youth participation in sports as a tool for economic empowerment and social inclusion.
Also speaking, Group Chief Executive Officer of First Bank of Nigeria, Dr Olusegun Alebiosu, said the bank’s involvement in the event underscores its longstanding commitment to sports development and community partnerships.
“First Bank is big on sport. We have supported polo in Kaduna for over 100 years and the Lagos Open Golf Tournament for over six decades,” Alebiosu said. “We are proud to be in Calabar to support this tournament and will continue to invest in sports as part of our contribution to national development.”
He added that the bank, which has maintained a presence in Calabar for more than a century, would continue to support the government and private sector in driving economic growth in the state.
Vice-Captain of the Calabar Golf Club, Anita Okune, Esq., described the tournament as a major milestone for Cross River’s sports and tourism revival, noting that golf remains a powerful platform for building relationships and attracting investment.
“This event brings investors to see business opportunities in Calabar while enjoying the game,” she explained. “Golfers are usually captains of industry. When they come here, they stay in our hotels, eat our food, experience our hospitality, and, more importantly, discover the business potential the state has to offer.”
Okune revealed that Calabar once hosted Nigeria’s first golf course, with trophies dating back to 1895, before the facility gave way to what is now the U.J. Esuene Stadium and Government House. She added that the current Calabar Golf Course, commissioned in 1991, remains one of the toughest three courses in Nigeria and among the finest municipal courses in the country.
“This tournament showcases a course that is wholly owned by the state government, beautifully maintained, and full of tourism potential that has remained largely untapped,” she said. “Golf is not just about competition — it’s about friendship, business, and promoting our clean and green Cross River brand.”
She clarified that the competition, though friendly in atmosphere, was played with professional standards, with trophies presented across several categories.
At the end of play, Fidel Udie emerged Overall Winner, while Bassey Nkposong won Best Net. P.K. Bello took the Veterans Category, Gladness Dan clinched the Ladies Category, Ray Ovat won Division 1, and Dr Mike Odere, Commissioner for Finance, emerged Division 2 Winner.
Okune congratulated all participants, adding that “every golfer is a winner” for contributing to the success of the event and showcasing Calabar as “the destination location” under Governor Otu’s administration.
Tina Agosi Todo, Calabar, The Guardian
