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By Akanimo Kufre, Uyo
Director General of the Nigeria Institute of Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu, has commended the organisers of the 2026 Ibom Open and the Akwa Ibom State Government for the remarkable improvement in course maintenance and tournament standards.
Shaibu, a former Deputy Governor of Edo State who competed in the Men’s Handicap 0–18 category, described the tournament as a growing international sporting event and urged the state government to sustain investment in sports tourism to unlock its economic benefits.
“There is a great improvement here. It was a delight to be here. Ibom Open has become not just a national event but an international event,” Shaibu said.
“I’m happy the standard has not dropped; instead, I’m seeing improvement. The greens are better than the last time I came here, while the fairways are clean and well maintained.”
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The NIS boss noted that the influx of participants and visitors had stimulated economic activities across Akwa Ibom during the tournament week.
“I think the economic activities in Akwa Ibom have changed in the last one week with the influx of people. Countries like the United Kingdom derive significant economic value from tourism, including sports tourism. Events like the Ibom Open present enormous opportunities for the state, and that is why we are passionate about sports development,” he added.
Shaibu further revealed that the Nigeria Institute of Sports is pursuing a decentralisation agenda aimed at strengthening grassroots sports development across the country. According to him, NIS offices have now been established in all six geopolitical zones to bring sports administration and talent development closer to the people.
Also speaking, Godwin Ekpo, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Petroleum Products Monitoring Committee, lauded the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Usenobong Akpabio, Golf Captain Isua, and members of the organising committee for successfully hosting another memorable edition of the championship.
