Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has pledged to leverage sports, including golf, as a catalyst for economic growth and tourism.
The governor made the announcement on Saturday during a golf and business tournament held in his honour at the Calabar Golf Course.
Governor Otu stated that his administration views sports as a serious business venture rather than mere recreation.
“Sports today is business. We are encouraging our youths to participate because it opens opportunities,” Otu said. He added that the event aligns with his government’s broader vision of wealth creation through leisure and business-driven activities.
The governor outlined ambitions to position Cross River as a key sports tourism destination in Africa. “We are promoting this place as a tourist destination. It has massive potential in Africa, and we are looking to upscale it in the coming days,” he stated.
The tournament was organized by the state government in collaboration with private sector partners, including First Bank of Nigeria.
Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Michael Odere, explained that the event was designed to use golf as a platform for networking and investment discussions. He described the Calabar Golf Course as “the finest in Nigeria” and a tool for economic development.
“This is not just about tourism or culture; it’s about creating a platform for business, leisure, entertainment, and health,” Odere said.
He noted that the informal setting allows investors to engage directly with government officials in a relaxed environment.
Private sector support was confirmed by First Bank Group CEO, Mr Olusegun Alebiosu, who reaffirmed the bank’s long-standing support for sports development in Nigeria.
“First Bank is proud to be here in Calabar for this tournament,” Alebiosu said. “We’ve supported golf for decades because we believe golf represents business, health, and life itself.”
He pledged the bank’s continued sponsorship for future editions of the event, highlighting its century-long presence in the state.
The tournament drew participants from within and outside Nigeria, including government officials, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts.
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