350 Golfers Set to Compete at Ibom Open 2026

No fewer than 350 golfers from Nigeria and beyond will compete for glory in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, as the 2026 Ibom Open starts on Thursday, June 4, 2026.

The tournament, which began in 2023 as an international amateur golf event, will last until Sunday, June 7, 2026.

During a media event at the Ibom Golf Course in Uyo on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Hon. Usenobong Akpabio, said this tournament is more than just another edition. He called it a chance for participants to explore opportunities and benefit from the event.

He described this year’s championship prize as “fantastic.” He noted that Uganda Airlines has promised a business-class return ticket for winners to fly to any destination they choose.

He said, “It will interest you to know that just like last year, when we opened the portal for registration, we were targeting about 250 participants, and within one week over 200 had registered.

“This year, we were targeting 300 participants, and within one week 350 had registered. We still have people lining up and waiting to be part of this tournament.

“The championship prize this year is fantastic. Uganda Airlines has given a business-class ticket to winners to fly anywhere the airline operates, it could be London, Uganda, or any other destination. That is a big plus for this year’s tournament.”

Boosting Akwa Ibom's Image

Mr. Isua Archibong, the Captain of Ibom Golf and Country Club, also spoke at the briefing. He expressed happiness with the event, saying it has become one of the ways to support the ARISE Agenda of the current administration.

He said the tournament is not just for competitive golf but also a chance to show off Akwa Ibom as the golf destination of West Africa.

“The golf course has remained one of the vehicles in driving the ARISE Agenda. We have taken golf to a different dimension. It is not only about coming here to play golf; we are showcasing Akwa Ibom as the golf destination in West Africa. This is the best place to be in terms of anything that has to do with golf,” he said.

In his remarks, Mr. Ubong Ekwere, a representative of Ship Afrika, one of the tournament’s sponsors, said their goal is to promote tourism and boost economic growth in the state.