…Inaugurate technical c’ttee
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Abia State capital city, Umuahia, would soon join the league of cities with world-class championship golf course following a decision by a forum of golfers from the state to embark on the project.
Abia golfers from various parts of Nigeria and those in the diaspora, have vowed to build a world-class championship golf course in Umuahia the state capital.
The golfers under the aegis of Abia Classic Golf & Country Club, Tuesday, inaugurated a technical committee to facilitate the project.
According to them, their major objective is to place Abia on the global map of golf tourism destinations.
Drivers of the legacy project include the Senator representing Abia South, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; Senator Nkechi Nwaogu; Arch. Benson Ezem; and the Chairman, South East Development Commission (SEDC), Chief Emeka Wogu.
They set up a technical committee headed by Benson Ezem, with Anthony Ezenwoko as Secretary.
The Technical Committee was mandated “to develop a comprehensive proposal and investment package for presentation to the Governor of Abia State.”
In his inaugural speech, Chairman of the Committee, Ezem, a renowned architect and Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), said that the committee has in mind of building for Abia a standard championship golf course in the mould of Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country Estate, Lagos.
He said the 308-hectare residential golf estate with an 18 hole championship golf course “blending traditional country estate style with modern amenities, functionality and hospitality services,” would help enhance the status of Umuahia.
The Committee was charged to engage with key stakeholders, including government officials, investors, and local communities to ensure that the proposed golf course “aligns with best practices in golf course and country club development.”
Ezem further said the forum created “to bring all Abia golfers together” had indeed come at the right time given the disposition of the present government to encourage inclusive participation in Abia development.
“We came together for the purpose of fostering unity and pursuing a common goal in developing a modern golf course in the state capital, Umuahia,” Ezem added.
He hinted that to further deepen and showcase its emergence, the Abia Classic Golf and Country Club had planned an “Awareness Maiden Golf Super Kitty” slated for April 19, 2025, at the golf course of the Aba Sports Club.
He said that Governor Alex Otti, had accepted to grace the event as special guest of honour, and would take the tee-off.
“His presence would make him fully identify with the Abia Classic Golf and Country Club, as veritable partner in the development of the state through sport tourism,” Ezem added.
“By achieving its set objectives, the forum can make a significant impact on golf development, tourism, and community engagement in Abia State,” he added.
