By Our Reporter
Governor Bassey Otu says his administration is committed to reviving golf as “one of those prestigious sports that would attract both national and international visitors and investors” to the state.
The Governor gave the commitment, Friday, when he welcomed a delegation from the Calabar Golf Club to his office on a courtesy visit in Calabar.
“I am happy with the history that golf in Nigeria began in the ancient city of Calabar. A lot of the things that started here had been taken away from us.
“What we are doing now is a battle to not just reclaim, but put ourselves back into equation because the modalities and advancement have actually left us behind.
“But like they say, it is better late than never,” Otu stated.
Governor Otu promised the Golf Club of his administration’s support in the maintenance of its course, further assuring the delegation of the cooperation of relevant MDAs in developing a blueprint with golf stakeholders on the best ways to reviving the sport in the state.
While thanking the high-profile delegation for their role in the society, Otu reiterated that the time for politics was gone, as the responsibility now is to deliver the dividends of democracy to Cross Riverians.
“No gainsaying, we have lost a lot of ground; but we can still catch up. The development happening in Calabar now is just a tip of the iceberg. Our unsavoury status as a poor, salary consuming economy is going to change for the better.
“We have a focus and we are going to drive it to the best of our abilities. That is why we are appealing to all Cross Riverians that regardless of political inclination, we are ready to work together to achieve results. We owe our people the responsibility to deliver in a way that the next generation would have something to inherit and also move society forward.
“We promise to be transparent and diligent in our application of resources. There will be no segregation, nepotism or favouritism. We will make sure that our productivity increases to the level where it yields results. We will ensure that at the end of this administration there will be an economy and something that will be noted about Cross River State. It is time to carve a niche for ourselves,” Governor Otu stated.
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Earlier in his remarks, the Captain of the Calabar Golf Club, Major General Ahmed Sabo (rtd), congratulated the governor on his recent Supreme Court victory, and commended him for his administration’s impact in the state less than a year on the saddle.
Describing golf as a major tourist attraction through hosting of quality tournaments, the Captain lamented the lack of government’s interest and appealed for the state government’s intervention.
The club pledged its support to the Otu-led administration’s commitment to repositioning the state for the better.
The Governor was presented with golfing kits by the club’s captain.