Akwa Ibom State has announced plans to provide free professional training to 155 young golfers as part of a grassroots development initiative. The programme, announced by Governor Umo Eno, aims to identify and nurture young talent from across the state. Each of the state's 31 Local Government Areas will nominate five young golfers for the training. This initiative is expected to widen the talent pool and provide children with access to structured golf development.
The initiative has received the backing of Nigeria Golf Federation President, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe. Runsewe described the programme as a significant investment in the future of golf and a model for developing young talent from the grassroots. He noted that taking the programme across all 31 Local Government Areas would provide children who may otherwise never encounter the sport with access to structured golf development.
Runsewe said the NGF was prepared to partner with the Akwa Ibom Government to provide technical support, coaching, competitions and capacity-building opportunities for the selected youngsters. He added that the initiative demonstrated that sports development goes beyond staging competitions, stressing the importance of identifying talent early and providing the right environment for young athletes to develop.
The leadership and management of Uyo Golf Club will be responsible for grooming the selected golfers under the programme. Governor Eno, through the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, said each Local Government Area would be required to provide five young golfers for free training ahead of next year's festival. This move is expected to encourage more young people to take up the sport.
The 2026 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival, which saw about 4,000 young athletes participate, reflected the expanding sporting base of the state. The number of competitive disciplines increased from 18 to 27, showcasing the state's commitment to developing sports. Governor Eno also promised recognition and rewards for medal winners and participating Local Government Areas.
For the NGF, the Akwa Ibom initiative could provide a wider pathway for identifying and nurturing the next generation of Nigerian golfers, while strengthening the sport's presence beyond established golf centres. The NGF hopes that this initiative will serve as a model for other states to follow, promoting grassroots development and increasing participation in golf.
Runsewe also urged golf clubs and other stakeholders across the country to adopt similar structured youth-development programmes to sustain the growth of the sport. With the support of the NGF and the Akwa Ibom Government, this initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the development of golf in Nigeria, producing a new generation of skilled golfers.
Key points
- Akwa Ibom State to train 155 young golfers for free
- Nigeria Golf Federation to provide technical support and coaching
- Initiative aims to promote grassroots development and increase participation in golf
