…Foreign Affairs Minister, Others Expected
By Patrick Titus, Uyo
Ibom Golf and Country Club in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State is set to host the League of African Ambassadors Fundraising Golf Tournament slated for August 29th and the final on August 30th.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, is among the high-profile dignitaries whose attendance have been confirmed.
Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Ambassador Ben Okoyen, said the former career diplomat will also attend the tournament as one of the special guests alongside members of the diplomatic community, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno.
Okoyen said the event is expected to attract more than 150 golfers, with total participation projected at about 350 people, including African diplomats, corporate leaders, government officials and representatives of agencies.
He noted that beyond the sporting contest, the tournament will provide an avenue for participants to network, exchange ideas and discuss issues around Africa’s development.
“The aspect of interaction is more than the game. We expect far more than 150 persons. We are expecting in the neighbourhood of 350 or thereabouts,” Okoyen said.”
He added that preparations had been intensified for the opening ceremony, golf tournament, closing ceremony, fundraising and award dinners, as well as a showcase of Akwa Ibom’s rich cultural heritage.
According to him, participants will arrive on August 28, with the opening game scheduled for August 29 and the finals on August 30.
“Business leaders, corporate bodies and government officials will take advantage of the platform golf is providing to interact with the diplomatic community,” he said.
Why Uyo?
The choice of the Ibom Golf Club has also attracted commendation from stakeholders within the sport.
Chairman of the FCT Golf Association, Akabom Enobong, recently described the facility as one of the finest golf resorts in West Africa, noting its serene environment and suitability for high-level engagements.
He said the resort provides an atmosphere conducive to relaxation, strategic thinking and meaningful conversations away from the busy environments of Lagos and Abuja.
Okoyen explained that the tournament goes beyond fundraising, describing it as part of a broader League of African Ambassadors initiative aimed at promoting solidarity, dialogue and advancement of the African cause.
The tournament remains open to registration and corporate partnerships, with trophies to be presented to outstanding performers across various categories.
Additional attractions include return flight tickets to destinations such as London, Barbados and Ghana, provided through participating airlines including Ibom Air, Air Peace and Arik Air.
