Golf stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State have called for the inclusion of golf activities in the 2026 Christmas Unplugged programme as part of efforts to strengthen sports tourism and attract high-value visitors to the state during the festive season.
The appeal was made by the Chairman of the Ibom Open Planning Committee, Rt. Hon. Usenobong Akpabio, during the gala night that concluded the 2026 Ibom Open Golf Championship at Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo.
Akpabio made the request while responding to remarks by the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Tourism, Dr. Anieti Udofia, who expressed optimism about welcoming back the more than 350 golfers and accompanying visitors that attended the prestigious championship.
According to Akpabio, golf has proven to be a strategic platform for attracting quality visitors, investors and sports tourists to Akwa Ibom, citing the influx of participants and guests who converged on Uyo between June 4 and 7 for the tournament.
“We believe golf should be integrated into the Christmas Unplugged calendar because of its capacity to attract visitors who contribute significantly to the local economy through tourism, hospitality and investment opportunities,” he said.
Dr. Udofia commended the organisers for successfully attracting one of the largest gatherings of golfers and enthusiasts in the country, noting that the event further reinforced Akwa Ibom’s growing reputation as a leading destination for sports tourism.
The commissioner expressed admiration for the organisational capacity demonstrated by Akpabio and his planning committee, whose efforts drew golfers from across Nigeria and beyond to Uyo for the championship.
The 2026 Ibom Open, regarded as one of Nigeria’s biggest amateur golf tournaments, enjoyed the support of 26 corporate brands, with Ship Afrika serving as the title sponsor.
Beyond the competition on the fairways, the tournament delivered significant economic and tourism benefits, with hotels, transport operators, restaurants and other service providers benefiting from the influx of visitors.
Golf enthusiasts believe that incorporating the sport into Christmas Unplugged will further diversify the state’s festive offerings and position Akwa Ibom as a year-round destination for sports and leisure tourism.
The Christmas Unplugged Festival is a flagship annual cultural, tourism, and entertainment event hosted in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State. Spanning 32 days from December 1 to January 1, the festival is held at the Unity Park Christmas Village along Udo Udoma Avenue.
Over the years, the festival has evolved into one of Nigeria’s most prominent yuletide celebrations, attracting thousands of visitors from across the country and beyond. The event transforms Uyo into a vibrant hub of entertainment, cultural exhibitions, music performances, culinary experiences, and grassroots community engagement. Christmas Unplugged was redesigned by Dr. Anieti Udofia as the subsequent success won him the accolade of the ‘Best Commissioner’ award by Gov Umo Eno.
