By Solomon OKPO
More than 350 golfers from across Nigeria and beyond have converged on Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, for the 2026 Ibom Open Golf Championship, further reinforcing the state’s growing reputation as a leading destination for sports tourism and leisure.
The three-day tournament, hosted by the Ibom Golf and Country Club, commenced on Friday and will conclude on Sunday with an awards and champions’ celebration at the Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort.
Speaking on the championship, Captain of the Ibom Golf and Country Club, Mr. Isua Archibong, said the tournament has attracted participants from golf clubs within and outside Nigeria, highlighting the increasing prominence of Akwa Ibom on the golfing map of Africa.
Archibong commended Governor Umo Eno for his commitment to the development of sports and tourism in the state, particularly through the effective maintenance of the Ibom Golf Course, which he described as one of the finest in the region.
According to him, the quality of the facility has continued to attract golfers and visitors to the state, positioning Akwa Ibom as a preferred destination for major golfing events.
The club captain also praised members of the golfing community for sustaining the club’s standards and expanding its capacity, assuring that more activities would be introduced to further develop golf in the state.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Barrister Usenobong Akpabio, noted that the consistent maintenance of the golf course remains a major advantage enjoyed by golfers in Akwa Ibom.
He expressed appreciation to the state government for its support of the sport, citing the inclusion of a golf facility in the ARISE Palm Resort project as evidence of the administration’s commitment to expanding the state’s tourism and recreational assets.
Some participants who arrived early for the championship, including captains of industry, senior public servants and business leaders, described their experience in Akwa Ibom as warm and hospitable.
They lauded Governor Eno’s developmental initiatives and expressed optimism that the tournament would further showcase the state’s potential as a hub for sports, tourism and investment.
The Ibom Open is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s premier golf tournaments and continues to attract elite golfers and enthusiasts from across the country and beyond.
