Cross River State Governor-elect Prince Bassey Otu has pledged to revive sports to bolster revenue and investments in that sector.
Otu noted that sports play an important role in the development of youths and the local economy generally.
He made the remark when he was inducted into Calabar Golf Club as a member shortly upon his arrival from Abuja for tomorrow’s swearing-in ceremony.
He recalled the years when sports clubs and athletes in the state were renowned across the country and beyond.
“Rovers Football Club is today not heard of anymore. Same for Pelican Stars FC, the female football team owned by the state government,” he said.
Otu pledged that his administration would have a sports development plan for the state.
“Let me assure that my government will draw up a plan to revive and activate sports.
“Let me also say how happy I am to be inducted as a member of the Calabar Golf Club. I thank the organisers. Certainly, golf will be captured as part of the general sports development plans for the state,” he stated.
A new hole, named Senator Bassey Otu Hole One, was introduced.
The tournament was graced by visiting golfers across the country.
Speaking earlier, the Captain of the Club, Major General Ahmed Abubakar Sabo (retd) had earlier called on the Governor-elect to look at the direction of golf in Calabar, saying that it has been neglected in the past eight years.
He noted that golf is a gold mine that has not been tapped, adding that the Calabar Golf Club has the potential of attracting important visitors to the state which can strengthen sports tourism of the state if properly harnessed
He noted that the presence of the governor was an indication that a new life has come into golfing in Calabar, which was relegated to irrelevance for almost a decade.
