By Onwa Ekor
Cross River governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has
described golf as a strategic blend of sports, tourism, and investment designed to promote the state as Nigeria’s premier destination for business and leisure.
Otu stated this when he officially teed off the Governor’s Golf and Business Tournament at the Calabar Golf Club, recently.
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, Otu reiterated his administration’s commitment to repositioning the state as a sports-driven tourism hub, while creating an enabling environment for investors to explore its vast economic potential.
“We are looking to promote golf as part of our tourism and investment drive,” the governor said, maintaining that “Cross River is a tourist destination and with the influx of visitors expected toward the end of the year, we want them to come here to play, enjoy our greenery, culture, and our hospitality.”
According to him, 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, 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.”
Earlier, 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 Otu.
“Hole One meets international standards,” Mkposong said, pointing out that, “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,” Mkposong stated.
Vice Captain of the Club, Anietie Okon, described the tournament as an innovative initiative connecting business leaders, investors, and policymakers through golf, which fosters 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.
