Calabar, Cross River State: Governor Bassey Otu is turning fairways into gateways for investment, as he teases a bold strategy that blends golf and tourism to attract fresh capital into Cross River State.
At the Governor’s Golf and Business Tournament held in Calabar, Otu showcased how leisure and landscape can serve as powerful tools for economic diplomacy.
By leveraging the state’s scenic beauty and sporting appeal, the Governor is positioning Cross River as a premium destination for investors seeking both opportunity and experience.
Otu stated this on Sunday during the Governor’s golf and business tournament in Calabar,
He said the initiative aligned with his vision to position Cross River as Africa’s leading tourism and investment hub through sports, culture, and hospitality.
The tournament attracted 80 amateur golfers from 10 states in Nigeria, with Fidel Udie emerging as the overall winner.
While Gladness Dan won the ladies’ category, Ray Ovat won division one, and Mike Odere, the state Commissioner for Finance, emerged as the winner of division two.
The Governor described sports as a significant business platform, adding that the state would continue encouraging youth participation and private partnerships to expand tourism and sports development.
“We are promoting golf as a sport that attracts global attention; Calabar is now a top tourist destination, and we expect an influx of visitors in the coming months.
“This tournament represents a new era for sports tourism in Cross River; this golf course is a symbol of our hospitality; we will keep using it to promote investment, culture, and youth engagement,” he said.
Similarly, Olusegun Alebiosu, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of First Bank Group, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting golf, tourism, and business development across Nigeria.
Alebiosu noted that the bank was a proud and key partner of the tournament in Calabar and would continue to sponsor and support it going forward.
“This is a beautiful and well-maintained course; golf is life, golf is health, and golf is business; we see this as a platform for sustainable partnerships and economic growth,” he said.
He added that First Bank had championed sports for over a century, including golf, polo, and basketball, adding that golf perfectly blends leisure, fitness, and business networking.
On his part, Odere, Cross River’s Commissioner for Finance and a key member of the organising committee, said the event was designed to merge business, leisure, and tourism into a single dynamic platform.
Odere stated that the competition also showcased Calabar’s clean and green image while reinforcing the Governor’s commitment to attracting sustainable investments.
“This tournament connects investors directly with government officials; it is a space for meaningful discussions, partnerships, and exploring business opportunities in a relaxed environment,” he explained.
Aneke Okon, Vice Captain of Calabar Golf Club, described the tournament as a major tourism and business networking opportunity, highlighting Calabar’s historic 18-hole course as one of Nigeria’s top three.
According to him, golfers are businessmen and captains of industry who see opportunities and attract investment wherever they visit.”When golfers visit, they stay in your hotels, enjoy your food, and discover new business prospects; it is a perfect blend of sport, tourism, and enterprise,” he said.