Thursday August 13, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng
Due to popular demand, preparations have reached an advanced stage to enlist the game of Golf in the sports train of the Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival of 2026.
This follows the visit of the Honourable Commissioner for Sports and Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee ( MOC)of the Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival, Elder Paul Bassey to the Ibom Golf course in Nwaniba, Uyo, on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
While interfacing with the Captain of the Ibom Golf Course, Mr Isuamfon Archibong, the sports boss disclosed that the visit was necessitated by the need for a first hand knowledge and information on the implications, peculiarities, and compositions of golf game in the festival as according to him, “last year there was a huge demand for the inclusion of golf and this year we are hearkening to that call. It will add value to the festival. Golf is a popular sport and in Uyo we have a world class course”.
In his response, the Captain of the course, Mr I Archibong, while welcoming the commissioner and his team, walked them round the 17.5 kilometers 18 hole Golf Course. Describing the Ibom Golf Course as the best in size and standard in West Africa, Archibong poured encomium on the leadership of the state since previous administrations, particularly from Obong Victor Attah when the course was established, to
Governor Umo Eno, for their passionate cooperation in promoting the game and maintaining the high standard of the course.
According to Mr Archibong, the golf course which boasts of about one thousand members across the state, has a class and taste that drives regular traffic across the West African subregion.
Speaking on the inclusion of golf in the sports festival, the delighted Captain said members who span across all the local governments in the state will be delighted to participate.
Flanked by a number of officers of the Ibom Golf Course, including the Course Officer Mr Engineer Nsima Ekanem, Senior member Udeme Esset and Resident Golf Professional Mr Emmanuel Ochaiyi, the Captain, assured the commissioner of all necessary support and cooperation to bring a worthwhile outcome in the bid to springboard golf in the imminent sports festival.
In the Commissioner’s team included: The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Mrs Rosemary Ubia; Director of Coaching ,Coach Catherine Ekutta; Director of Facilities, Mr Victor Owoekure,and the Director of PRS Mrs Peace Dan.
