Ben Eguzozie
With an asset base of N27.4 trillion as of Q3 2024, First Bank, Nigeria’s banking behemoth, has tapped into Calabar’s 130-year golf history to drive tourism, and economic growth in Cross River, a state with a subnational GDP in excess of $13.6 billion.
According to Olusegun Alebiosu, group chief executive officer of First Bank, Nigeria, the bank’s involvement in the golf event underscores its longstanding commitment to sports development and community partnerships.
He noted that the bank, which has maintained a presence in Calabar for more than a century, would continue to support the state government and the private sector in driving economic growth in the state.
“First Bank is big on sport. We have supported polo in Kaduna for over 100 years, and the Lagos Open Golf tournament for over six decades. We are proud to be in Calabar to support this tournament; and will continue to invest in sports as part of our contribution to national development,” he added.
The Calabar course is beyond sports. It has so much touch of tourism. And Fist Bank Nigeria has been about the biggest sponsors of Calabar Carnival.
Anita Okune, the vice-captain of Calabar Golf Course said, Calabar once hosted Nigeria’s first golf course, with trophies dating back to 1895, before the facility gave way to what is now the U.J. Esuene Stadium and Government House. She added that the current Calabar Golf Course, commissioned in 1991, remains one of the toughest three courses in Nigeria, and among the finest municipal courses in the country.
“This tournament showcases a course that is wholly owned by the state government, beautifully
maintained, and full of tourism potential that has remained largely untapped. Golf is not just
about competition — it’s about friendship, business, and promoting our clean and green Cross
River brand,” she said.
For Governor Bassey Otu, Cross River positions as the leading sports tourism destination in Africa, as golfers and investors converge on Calabar for the Governor’s Golf and Business tournament at the Calabar Golf Club.
The event usually attracts participants from across the country including Ibadan, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Benin, Bonny Island, Uyo, and Abakaliki, organised to blend sport, leisure, and business networking.
Governor Otu described the tournament as a boost to the state’s tourism drive, noting that Cross River was fast reclaiming its place as a preferred destination for leisure, sports, and investment.
“Cross River is a tourist destination competing with anywhere in Africa, and we want visitors coming for our festivals to enjoy our greenery, culture, and sports facilities. We are looking to promote golf and other sports with strong attraction value,” he said.
He expressed delight that the latest edition of the competition was held in his honour, saying the state was committed to encouraging youth participation in sports as a tool for economic empowerment and social inclusion.
Okune, Calabar Golf Club’s vice-captain, described the tournament as a major milestone for Cross River’s sports and tourism revival, noting that golf remains a powerful platform for building relationships and attracting investment.
“This event brings investors to see business opportunities in Calabar while enjoying the game. Golfers are usually captains of industry. When they come here, they stay in our hotels, eat our food, experience our hospitality, and, more importantly, discover the business potential the state has to offer,” she said.
She clarified that the competition, though friendly in atmosphere, was played with professional standards, with trophies presented across several categories. At the end of play, Fidel Udie emerged overall winner, while Bassey Nkposong won best net. P.K. Bello took the veterans
category. Gladness Dan clinched the ladies category, while Ray Ovat won division 1, and Mike Odere, the commissioner for finance, emerged division 2 winner.
