No fewer than 350 golfers are set to compete for honors in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, as the 2026 edition of the Ibom Open Golf Tournament gets underway. Usenobong Akpabio, the Organizing Committee Chairman, announced this on Tuesday in Uyo, stating that the tournament will take place from June 4 to June 7.
Platform for Greater Achievements
Mr. Akpabio noted that the tournament offers participants a platform to pursue greater accomplishments in golf. He emphasized that this year's event promises to be unique, revealing that one of the sponsors, Uganda Air, has pledged a business class return ticket for the winners.
Increased Participation
The chairman attributed the surge in participation to the success of the 2025 edition. “We were targeting 300 participants, but within just one week, we had about 350 registrants. We are still receiving requests to join the tournament,” he said. Additionally, Mr. Akpabio confirmed that approximately 40 trophies would be awarded across various categories during the four-day event.
Driving the ARISE Agenda
Speaking during the briefing, the Captain of Ibom Golf and Country Club, Isuah Archibong, highlighted that the tournament has become a key driver of the Akwa Ibom Government's ARISE Agenda. He expressed gratitude to Ship Afrika for sponsoring the event over the past three years, stating, “This event is showcasing Akwa Ibom as a premier golf destination.”
Promoting Tourism and Economic Growth
Ubong Ekwere, the Representative of Ship Afrika, explained that the core purpose of the event is to boost tourism and accelerate economic growth in the state. “Sponsoring this tournament is our company's corporate social responsibility to the state and the nation at large,” he said. He also thanked other sponsors and partners for their continued support in sustaining the tournament over the years.
