No fewer than 350 amateur golfers have booked to participate in the 2026 edition of the Ibom Open Golf Tournament, billed from June 4-7, 2026, at the prestigious Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo.
Key Highlight:
- More than 350 amateur golfers have registered for the 2026 Ibom Open Golf Tournament, exceeding the initial target of 300 participants within one week of registration.
- The tournament will hold from June 4–7, 2026, at the Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort in Uyo.
- Organizers described the Ibom Open as one of Nigeria’s leading golf tournaments, attracting growing interest from players, sponsors, and corporate partners.
- The event is expected to boost Akwa Ibom State’s economy, with participants spending on accommodation, transportation, hospitality, entertainment, and souvenirs.
- Over 26 corporate brands have partnered with the tournament, including Uganda Airlines, which will provide free return tickets for the championship winner.
Chairman of the Tournament Planning Committee, Usenobong Akpabio, during a press briefing, said the tournament has surpassed its initial registration target of 300 players within just seven days of opening the registration portal.
Akpabio expressed satisfaction and the growth surrounding the reputation of the Ibom Open as one of Nigeria’s leading golf tournaments in history.
“This is the biggest and best golf tournament in the country, which is similar to the previous edition in which we set a target of 300 participants, and within one week, that number was achieved.
“In fact, more golfers have shown interest in joining the competition. Of course, we are not just organizing a tournament, but we have created a platform that attracts sponsors and amazing opportunities,” stated.
Captain of Ibom Golf Club, Mr. Isua Archibong, applauded the LOC for constant improvement of the tournament and advised indigenous people and residents to take advantage of the economic opportunities throughout the event.
The competition has become a strategic platform for promoting Akwa Ibom State’s rich cultural heritage and hospitality to investors and visitors.
“Let’s use this golf platform to exhibit and market Akwa Ibom State to the world at large.
“Also, we are ready to host our visitors and investors. Golf is one of the vehicles that will help drive the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno,” he added.
Read also:
- Gusau mourns ex- NFA President Ibrahim Galadima
- England cricket set for major selection shake-up with Marcus North
- Wikki Tourists vs Jigawa Golden Stars headlines President Cup Round of 64 fixtures
- DFA imposes 1 year suspension on Morak FC official for assaulting match official.
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.
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.
Meanwhile, the LOC 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.
So far, over 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 a massive record of 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.
