By Ndifreke Jacob
The League of African Ambassadors is set to converge on Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for a fundraising golf tournament.
The tournament, scheduled for August 28 to 30, is expected to attract more than 150 golfers and about 350 participants from across the diplomatic, business and public sectors.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, is expected at the event, alongside Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma; and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno.
Chairman of the tournament’s Central Planning Committee, Ambassador Ben Okoyen, said the event was conceived as an opportunity to bring influential stakeholders together beyond the traditional setting of formal diplomatic engagements.
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Okoyen noted that the tournament would create opportunities for participants to build relationships, exchange perspectives and identify areas of common interest, particularly on issues relating to Africa’s growth and development.
“The aspect of interaction is more than the game,” Okoyen said, noting that organisers were expecting about 350 participants in addition to the golfers taking part in the competition.
According to him, the gathering would also provide business leaders and government representatives with an opportunity to engage members of the diplomatic community in a less formal environment.
“Business leaders, corporate bodies and government officials will take advantage of the platform golf is providing to interact with the diplomatic community,” he added.
Speaking on the choice of the Ibom Golf Course, Chairman of the FCT Golf Association, Akabom Enobong, described the facility as one of the finest golf resorts in West Africa, particularly for its quiet environment, greenery and ambience.
Enobong noted that the location offers an atmosphere where participants can combine recreation with meaningful conversations, away from pressures associated with major commercial centres such as Lagos and Abuja.
Similarly, organisers of the tournament explained that the choice of Ibom Golf Course was aimed at providing golfers a better golfing experience.
Unlike conventional sporting competitions, the organisers explained that the tournament will combine golf with fundraising, diplomatic engagement, networking and cultural activities.
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According to him, the tournament will feature an opening ceremony, golf competition, a closing ceremony, fundraising and award dinners, alongside a presentation highlighting Akwa Ibom’s cultural heritage.
They noted that the tournament will also recognise outstanding golfers in various categories, while participants will have opportunities to win return flight tickets to destinations such as London, Barbados and Ghana.
Guests are expected to arrive in Uyo on August 28 ahead of the tournament.
The organisers have invited golfers, businesses and other interested organisations to register or explore partnership opportunities ahead of the event.
