…As Business Communities On Hand
By Patrick Titus, Uyo
From the registration portal, no fewer than 350 amateur golfers tee-off in Ibom Golf Open 2026 scheduled from 4th through 7th June, 2026 at Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo, certified as the best in West Africa.
The tournament is planned to be bigger than 2025 edition drawing participants from various Golf Clubs in Nigeria and beyond the shores of the country.
Chairman of the central planning committee of the tournament, Hon. Useobong Akpabio, who announced this earlier in a pre-tournament press conference in Uyo, said the competition surpassed its initial registration target of 300 players within just seven days of opening the registration portal.
Useobong said the overwhelming response is a reflection of the growing reputation of the Ibom Open as one of Nigeria’s leading golf tournaments.
According to him, the tournament was not just another event but a platform for people to explore for greater heights.
He said the tournament promised to be unique, adding that the championship prize this year would be fantastic, as one of the sponsors, Uganda Air has promised a business class return ticket for the winners.
“It will interest you to know that just like last year, when we open the portal for registration, we needed about 250 people and in one week over 200 people had registered.
“This year we were targeting 300 people and in one week 350 people had registered. We still have people who are still lining up waiting to be part and parcel of the tournament.
“The championship prize this year is fantastic. Uganda Air has given a business class ticket to fly to anywhere Uganda Air goes: it could be London. Uganda or any other place and that’s a big plus as far as this year’s tournament is concerned.
“No fewer than 40 trophies are expected to be won at different categories during the 4-day tournament,” Useobong who is the chairman emeritus of Ibom Golf and Country Club assured.
Captain of Ibom Golf and Country Club, Mr. Isua Archibong applauded the organizing committee for continuously improving the tournament and urged residents and businesses to take advantage of the economic opportunities associated with the event.
He noted that the tournament has become a strategic platform for promoting Akwa Ibom State to visitors and investors alike.
“We are using golf to showcase Akwa Ibom State. We are ready for visitors, and we are ready for investors. Golf is one of the vehicles that will help drive the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno,” he said.
Archibong further estimated that with many participants expected to spend at least ₦1 million during their stay, the tournament would significantly impact the state’s economy through accommodation, transportation, hospitality, entertainment, and souvenir purchases
In his remarks, Chief Executive Officer of Ship Afrika and lead sponsor of the tournament, Mr. Ubong Ekwere said the company has remained committed to supporting the Ibom Open since 2023 because of its contribution to sports development and tourism promotion in the state.
“We recognize the efforts of the Akwa Ibom State Government in developing tourism and creating opportunities through events such as the Ibom Open. Supporting this tournament aligns with our values at Ship Afrika, and we encourage other private-sector organizations to partner with the vision, especially as plans are underway to introduce a professional category in the coming years,” Ekwere said.
Organizers disclosed that the professional arm of the tournament is expected to commence within the next two years, further enhancing the event’s status on the national golf calendar.
The 2026 Ibom Open will feature competitions in the men’s, ladies’, veterans’, super veterans’, and championship categories.
More than 26 corporate brands have partnered with the tournament, including Uganda Airlines, which will offer free return tickets to any destination on its network for the championship winner, amongst other fabulous prizes.
With record participation and increasing corporate support, the Ibom Open continues to strengthen its position as a major sports tourism event and a catalyst for economic growth in Akwa Ibom State.
