Follow Us on Google
From Akanimo Kufre, Uyo
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, is among the high-profile dignitaries expected at the League of African Ambassadors Fundraising Golf Tournament scheduled to take place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
With preparations gathering momentum ahead of the tournament, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Ambassador Ben Okoyen, confirmed that Enikanolaiye, a former career diplomat, will attend as one of the special guests.
The tournament is also expected to attract prominent members of Nigeria’s diplomatic and political communities, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno.
According to Okoyen, the tournament is designed to go beyond the sporting contest, providing a platform for African diplomats, government officials, corporate leaders, and other stakeholders to engage on issues concerning the continent’s development.
He said the organisers expect more than 150 golfers, with overall participation projected at about 350 guests.
“The aspect of interaction is more than the game. We expect far more than 150 persons. We are expecting in the neighbourhood of 350 or thereabouts,” Okoyen said.
He added that every aspect of the event, from the opening ceremony and golf competition to the closing ceremony, fundraising and award dinners, has been carefully planned, with a special showcase of Akwa Ibom’s cultural heritage also included.
“Akwa Ibom is prepared for us. August 28 is arrival, August 29 is the opening game, while August 30 is the finals. Business leaders, corporate bodies and government officials will take advantage of these platforms golf is providing to interact with the diplomatic community,” he said.
Other News
The choice of the Ibom Golf Course in Uyo as the venue has also attracted positive assessments from golf stakeholders.
Chairman of the FCT Golf Association, Akabom Enobong, recently described the Ibom Golf Course as one of the finest golf resorts in West Africa, stressing its suitability for high-level engagement and strategic dialogue.
“The golf course is arguably the best golf resort in West Africa that I’m aware of, having travelled far and wide. It gives you serenity and relaxation,” Enobong said.
He noted that the peaceful environment provides an ideal setting for meaningful discussions, strategic thinking and networking away from the pressure of major commercial centres such as Lagos and Abuja.
Beyond the fundraising objective, Okoyen said the tournament represents part of a broader League of African Ambassadors initiative aimed at strengthening solidarity, dialogue and cooperation across Africa.
The tournament remains open to registration and corporate partnerships, with trophies to be presented to outstanding performers across various categories.
The event will also feature several side attractions, including return flight tickets to destinations such as London, Barbados and Ghana, sponsored by participating airlines such as Ibom Air, Air Pece, and Arik Air.
With diplomats, political leaders, business executives, and golf enthusiasts expected in Uyo, organisers say the tournament is set to combine sport, diplomacy, culture, and philanthropy in a celebration of African unity and cooperation.
