BY SOLOMON OKPO
No fewer than 350 golfers from Nigeria and across Africa are expected to converge on Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, for the 2026 Ibom Open Golf Tournament scheduled to hold from June 4 to June 7 at the Ibom Golf and Country Club, Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort.
Chairman of the Tournament Planning Committee, Hon. Usenobong Akpabio, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists at the club house in Uyo.
Akpabio said the prestigious tournament, sponsored by Ship Afrika, will attract golfers from different parts of Nigeria as well as participants from Ghana, Zimbabwe and Cameroon, further strengthening Akwa Ibom’s reputation as a leading golf and tourism destination.
According to him, activities will commence on Thursday, June 4, with the arrival of participants, while the competition proper will take place on Friday and Saturday, culminating in the championship round on Sunday.
He explained that unlike previous editions, which were held as one-day events, the 2026 edition has been expanded into a three-day competition to enhance competitiveness and provide more opportunities for participants.
“We have always organized a one-day tournament in previous years, but this year we have decided to make it a three-day eventtwo days for qualifiers and one day for the championship,” he stated.
The former captain of the Ibom Golf and Country Club also announced an attractive incentive for the tournament champion, revealing that the overall winner will receive a complimentary business-class air ticket courtesy of Uganda Airlines.
Describing the prize as unprecedented in the history of the competition, Akpabio noted that it represents a significant boost to the profile of the tournament.
He further highlighted the growing support from corporate organizations, noting that beyond the title sponsor, several other companies have partnered with the event.
According to him, the objective of the tournament extends beyond sporting competition to include the promotion of tourism, hospitality and economic activities within Akwa Ibom State.
“Among the 350 golfers expected are participants from Ghana, Zimbabwe and Cameroon. Through golf, Akwa Ibom has increasingly become a preferred tourism destination,” he said.
Akpabio also described the Ibom Golf and Country Club as one of Nigeria’s premier golf facilities and a major attraction for golf enthusiasts across the region.
In his remarks, Captain of the Ibom Golf and Country Club, Mr. Isua Archibong, expressed confidence in the club’s readiness to host a successful tournament, assuring participants of excellent facilities and warm hospitality throughout their stay.
He noted that the championship would once again place Akwa Ibom State in the international spotlight and showcase its tourism potential to a wider audience.
Also speaking, the representative of the title sponsor, Ship Afrika, Mr. Ubong Ekwere, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the development of golf in the state.
Ekwere described Ship Afrika as a longstanding supporter of golf competitions in Akwa Ibom and emphasized that the sponsorship is aimed at encouraging greater interest in the sport while sustaining the growth of the Ibom Open Tournament.
He expressed optimism that the tournament would continue to expand in stature and remain one of the foremost golf events in the country.
Other Headline Options
Uyo Hosts 350 Golfers as 2026 Ibom Open Tees Off
International Golfers Converge on Akwa Ibom for Expanded Ibom Open
Ibom Open 2026 Targets Tourism Boost, Welcomes Golfers from Across Africa
Ship Afrika-Sponsored Ibom Open Draws 350 Golfers to Uyo
Akwa Ibom Set for Major Golf Fiesta as Ibom Open Returns
