Prince Otu Veteran Golf Tournament Promotes Healthy Ageing, Sports Inclusion – Adviser

The Cross River State Government says the Prince Otu Veteran Golf Tournament is designed to promote healthy ageing, strengthen social ties and keep retired athletes actively connected to sports.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Sports Development, Ntufam Ekanem Ekpeyong who represented Governor Bassey Otu at the second edition of the tournament held at the Calabar Golf Club, said the initiative was part of government’s commitment to recognizing veterans and using sports as a tool for unity.

He explained that the tournament was not just about competition but about bringing retired sportsmen and women back into an active lifestyle.

“Those who normally would not have come out, those that are retired, they are bringing them out to come and be part of what we are doing. It helps them and keeps them alive,” he said.

According to him, retirement from active sports often comes with health challenges, stressing that continued participation in physical activities could improve wellbeing.

“When you retire from sports, a lot of health complications come. If you are not doing sports at all, there is no way you can be better,” he added.

The Sports Adviser noted that the initiative would be expanded in subsequent editions to accommodate more participants and communities, adding that more sports and categories would be considered.

He also said the state government was focusing on grassroots development by encouraging primary and secondary school competitions to identify and nurture young talents.

“Without the primary and secondary schools, there can’t be any sports. Nobody starts playing sports from secondary school. You start from primary school,” he stated.

He revealed that the government was providing opportunities for schools to access sporting facilities, noting that developing young athletes remained key to sustaining sports in the state.

Meanwhile, the Course Officer of the Calabar Golf Club, Dr Paul Ebiala, described the veteran golf tournament as a commendable initiative that had never been witnessed in the state before.

Dr Ebiala said the tournament reflected Governor Otu’s vision of creating opportunities for veterans across different sports.

“It has never been before that you have a governor and, of course, the Sports Commission, floating a tournament for veterans in all the sports in the state. It’s a commendable one,” he said.

He explained that golf had continued to bring people together regardless of background, saying the sport does not discriminate based on location or status.

“Golf does not look at the geographical zone or where you come from. Anybody can play golf,” he added.

On gender inclusion, Truth Live News reports that the Course Officer suggested that future editions should provide more opportunities for women veterans to participate.

He also appealed to the state government and relevant stakeholders to support the maintenance and upgrading of the Calabar Golf Course, describing it as an important tourism asset.

“Maintaining a golf course takes a lot. If the government puts some energy here, it is a tourism avenue. People come to this place and it boosts the economy,” he said.

Also speaking, former Military Administrator of Kwara State, Colonel Peter Asam Mbu (PAM) Ogar, commended the initiative, saying it recognised the value of veterans and the importance of preserving sports culture.

He said the tournament demonstrated that society must continue to appreciate those who contributed to sports development while encouraging younger generations to embrace sporting talents.

According to him, taking care of veterans was important because their experience and contribution remained valuable to society.

He also praised efforts toward sustaining the golf course, noting that sports facilities required collective responsibility to remain functional.

The former military administrator urged young people to dedicate their time to sports, stressing that talents should be developed rather than wasted.

“Any game God has blessed you with a skill, play it to maximum,” Ogar advised.

The Prince Otu Veteran Golf Tournament brought together 20 veteran golfers and sports stakeholders as part of efforts to promote inclusion, healthy living and sports development in Cross River State.