Golf: Fubara Tees Off Port Harcourt Amateur Open, Reaffirms Support For Youth Development

Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting sports development and initiatives that promote youth empowerment, healthy living and the wellbeing of residents.

Fubara gave the assurance on Saturday while declaring open the 2026 Port Harcourt Amateur Open Golf Championship, which has attracted more than 250 golfers from across Nigeria.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Sunny Ewule, at the ceremonial tee-off, the governor said the championship demonstrated that Rivers State remained peaceful and open to sporting activities, tourism and business.

“This championship bringing over 250 golfers from across Nigeria to Port Harcourt is a testament to the fact that Rivers State is safe, peaceful and open for sports, tourism and business,” he said.

The governor noted that sporting events played an important role in bringing people together, promoting social cohesion and projecting a positive image of the state.

“You have demonstrated that sports is a powerful tool for social cohesion and for projecting the positive nature of our state,” Fubara added.

He assured the organisers and participants that his administration would continue to support initiatives that contribute to youth development and improve the wellbeing of Rivers residents.

Fubara described golf as more than a recreational activity, noting that the sport promotes patience, discipline, focus and integrity.

According to him, these values align with his administration’s commitment to peace, unity and healthy living across the state.

The governor commended the local organising committee for its efforts in putting the championship together and praised the Port Harcourt Club Golf Section for sustaining the historic institution since 1928.

He also wished the participating golfers a successful, injury-free and rewarding tournament.

In his remarks, President of the Port Harcourt Club, Victor Omubo Frank-Briggs, expressed appreciation to the governor for honouring the club’s invitation.

Frank-Briggs said the state government’s presence at the opening ceremony had encouraged and inspired the golfers to give their best throughout the championship.

The 2026 Port Harcourt Amateur Open Golf Championship brings together golfers from different parts of the country, providing an opportunity to promote sporting excellence, strengthen relationships and showcase Port Harcourt as a destination for golf and sports tourism.