Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, at the weekend officially teed off the Governor’s Golf and Business Tournament at the Calabar Golf Club, describing the event as a strategic blend of sports, tourism, and investment designed to promote the state as Nigeria’s premier destination for business and leisure.
The three-day tournament, sponsored by First Bank of Nigeria and Nugi Technology, drew 80 golfers from ten states across the country, including Abuja, Ibadan, Ikoyi, Port Harcourt, Bonny Island, Enugu, Benin, Uyo, Abakaliki, and Calabar.
Speaking with journalists shortly after performing the ceremonial tee-off, Governor Otu reiterated his administration’s commitment to repositioning Cross River as a sports-driven tourism hub, while creating an enabling environment for investors to explore the state’s vast economic potential.
“We are looking to promote golf as part of our tourism and investment drive,” the Governor said. “Cross River is a tourist destination, competing with any in Africa. With the influx of visitors expected toward the end of the year, we want them to come here to play, to enjoy our greenery, our culture, and our hospitality.”
He emphasized that golf offers a unique platform for recreation, business networking, and youth empowerment, aligning with his administration’s People-First Agenda.
“Sports is now a business,” Otu added. “We are encouraging our youths to participate because anyone who wins here earns recognition and opportunities. I feel excited and humbled by the honour of having this tournament named after me, and I promise to keep supporting this course. By 2031, golf will be one of the major sports attractions in Cross River State.”
Earlier in his remarks, the Captain of the Calabar Golf Club, Engr. Bassey Mkposong, thanked the Governor for his support, announcing that Hole One, the most scenic stretch of the course, has been officially dedicated to Governor Otu.
“Hole One meets international standards,” Mkposong said. “It can host professional, amateur, and ladies’ games. We will mount a billboard here with the Governor’s tee-off image to immortalize this moment.”
The Vice Captain of the Club, Anietie Okon, Esq., described the tournament as an innovative initiative connecting business leaders, investors, and policymakers through golf, a sport renowned for fostering relationships and partnerships.
He explained that beyond its sporting value, the event significantly contributes to the local economy through hospitality and tourism spending, while business discussions on the fairway often translate into tangible investments.
“This tournament showcases Calabar as Nigeria’s choicest destination for business and leisure under Governor Otu’s administration,” Okon noted.
Kingsley Agim
