Governor Otu Pledges Enhancement To Golf Tourism In Cross River

The governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, has expressed his commitment to promoting and enhancing golf in the state, describing it as a sport with significant appeal.

Governor Otu made this announcement during an interactive session with journalists shortly after inspecting the Calabar Golf Course ahead of the commencement of the 2025 Golf and Business Tournament, which took place in Calabar over the weekend.

He stated that, with proper attention, the tournament could elevate Calabar into one of Africa’s premier tourist destinations.

Otu highlighted that the state has begun collaborating with various stakeholders to develop the sport, aiming to attract more visitors and investors to Cross River.

He revealed that the state anticipates a large influx of visitors towards the end of the month and in December, stressing that many of them would be keen to return and enjoy the golf course.

The governor emphasised the role of sports in business and development, noting that the state is exploring ways to encourage youth participation in golf and other sports.

He announced that winners of golf tournaments would receive substantial rewards and expressed his excitement and humility regarding the progress made thus far.

Governor Otu also conveyed his eagerness to learn more about golf, believing it would 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 within the state.

Earlier, Olusegun Alebiosu, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of First Bank Group, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting the development of Cross River State.

Praising the Calabar Golf Course for its excellent maintenance, he expressed the bank’s enthusiasm for the tournament.

Alebiosu highlighted the bank’s long history of supporting sports development in Nigeria, citing its sponsorship of football, basketball, and polo.

He noted that First Bank has had a presence in Calabar for over a century, with one of its branches operating in the city for the same duration.

He assured that the bank would continue to robustly support businesses and government initiatives in the state while exploring new investment opportunities to foster economic growth.

In his remarks, Dr. Mike Odere, Cross River State Commissioner for Finance, who also spoke at the event, emphasised 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.

“We’re not just here to showcase business, tourism, or culture,” he said. “We’re here to engage our partners in sustainable business and socio-economic relationships.