Akwa Ibom Eyes Multi-Billion Naira Boost from Ibom Open 2026

By Julius Nsikak

Organisers of the 2026 Ibom Open Golf Championship have projected that the tournament will generate more than N3 billion in economic activity for Akwa Ibom State as over 350 golfers and visitors converge on Uyo for the four-day event.

The championship, scheduled to hold from June 4 to June 7 at the Ibom Golf and Country Club, is expected to attract participants from across Nigeria and several African countries, reinforcing Akwa Ibom’s growing reputation as a leading golf and tourism destination in West Africa.

Speaking during a press conference in Uyo on Tuesday, Chairman of the Ibom Golf and Country Club, Captain Isua Archibong, described the tournament as more than a sporting event, saying it has become a strategic platform for promoting tourism, attracting investment and showcasing the state’s hospitality.

According to him, the event has continued to grow through the support of title sponsor Ship AFRIKA and more than 20 corporate partners and sponsors.

“Golf is no longer just about playing the game. We are showcasing Akwa Ibom to the world. We want people to come to the state, experience what we have and become ambassadors of our tourism potential,” Archibong said.

He noted that the state government’s investment in maintaining the golf resort has transformed it into a key driver of the tourism sector and an important contributor to economic development.

Archibong estimated that hundreds of visiting golfers and accompanying guests would spend significant amounts on flights, accommodation, transportation, entertainment and other services during the championship.

“Ibom Air will benefit. Hotels will benefit. Local businesses will benefit. This is not just golf; it is economic activity for Akwa Ibom State,” he said.

Chairman of the tournament planning committee, Captain Usenobong Akpabio, said the Ibom Open has evolved into one of the country’s most anticipated golf events.

He disclosed that registration figures have continued to rise, with the target of 300 golfers surpassed shortly after registration opened.

“What this shows is that Ibom Open has become a platform people want to be associated with. It is no longer just another golf tournament. It has become a brand,” he said.

Akpabio explained that about 80 per cent of the participating golfers would be arriving from outside Akwa Ibom, including players from Ghana, Zimbabwe and Cameroon, as well as major Nigerian cities such as Lagos, Abuja and Owerri.

He said the tournament would feature a new three-day competitive format, with two qualifying rounds and a championship finale on June 7.

The organisers also unveiled a series of side attractions, including a welcome cocktail, cultural night, sponsors’ evening and grand prize presentation ceremony.

Akpabio added that the long-term vision is to transform the Ibom Open into an international Pro-Am tournament capable of attracting professional golfers from around the world.

“This is the best golf course in Nigeria and the only golf resort of its kind in West Africa. Our goal is to continue expanding the tournament and positioning Akwa Ibom as a premier golf destination,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer of Ship AFRIKA, Mr Ubong Ekwere, said the company’s support for the championship is driven by a desire to contribute to the development of Akwa Ibom and promote tourism.

Ekwere, an indigene of the state, said the tournament has recorded remarkable growth since the company became title sponsor in 2023.

“What we are doing is born out of love for home. We are supporting tourism and complementing the efforts of government in showcasing Akwa Ibom to the world,” he said.

He called on the media to partner with organisers by providing extensive coverage that would further highlight the state’s investment and tourism opportunities.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom Hotels Management and Tourism Board, Mrs Ime Udo, commended the organisers for leveraging sports as a tool for tourism promotion and economic development.

She said the influx of visitors and spending associated with the tournament would contribute to the state’s internally generated revenue and stimulate business activities across multiple sectors.

Representatives of partner organisations described the collaboration as mutually beneficial, noting that the championship provides valuable exposure for businesses while contributing to the state’s economic growth.

The 2026 Ibom Open will feature contests in the Men’s, Ladies’, Veterans’, Super Veterans’, and Championship categories, with male golfers aged 28 years and below and female golfers aged 36 years and below eligible for the championship division. Participants will compete for about 40 trophies in what promises to be one of the most exciting editions of the tournament.

With hundreds of golfers, tourists and business executives expected in Uyo over the weekend, organisers believe the 2026 Ibom Open will further strengthen Akwa Ibom’s position as one of Nigeria’s leading destinations for sports tourism.