The Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has expressed his desire to upscale and promote golf playing in the state, describing it as a sport with a lot of attraction.
Gov. Otu made this known in an interactive session with journalists shortly after inspecting the Calabar Golf Course before the kickoff of the 2025 Golf and Business tournament organised by the state governor in Calabar at weekend.
He stated that the tournament can make Calabar become a most popular tourists destination in Africa if given attention.
Otu stated that the state has started partnering with various stakeholders to upscale the sport, with the aim of attracting more visitors and investors into the state.
He revealed that the state is expecting a large number of visitors towards the end of the month and December, stressing that some of them would want to come back and enjoy the golf course.
Otu emphasised the importance of sports in business and development, noting that the state is looking for ways to encourage youths to participate in golf and other sports.
He announced that winners of golf tournaments would receive handsome rewards, and expressed his excitement and humility at the progress made so far.
Governor Otu also expressed his desire to learn more about golf, stating that he believes it will enable him to promote the sport more effectively.
He assured that the state government would continue to support the development of golf and other sports in the state.
Earlier, chief executive officer (CEO), First Bank Group, Olusegun Alebiosu, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting the development of Cross River State.
The CEO who praised the Calabar Golf Course, described the course as well-maintained, and expressed the bank’s enthusiasm for the tournament.
He highlighted the bank’s long history of supporting sports development in Nigeria, citing its sponsorship of football, basketball, and polo.
Alebiosu averred that the bank has had a presence in Calabar for over 100 years, with one of its branches operating in the city for the same duration.
He assured that the bank would continue to put its weight solidly behind businesses and government initiatives in the state, exploring new investment opportunities and fostering economic growth.
In his remarks, Cross River State Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Mike Odere, who also spoke at the event, emphasized the tournament’s objective of strengthening business relationships and showcasing the state’s tourism potential.
The commissioner described the golf course as a “lush and beautiful natural space” and highlighted the state’s commitment to safety, hospitality, and cleanliness.
Odere encouraged participants to view the tournament as a win-win situation, where everyone can benefit from business discussions and networking opportunities.
