By Chibuzor Ogode
As part of activities marking the second anniversary of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, the Ibori Golf and Country Club, Asaba, hosted an inter-club golf tournament featuring visiting players from Ikoyi Club 1938, Lagos.
Held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, the event was positioned as a tribute to the Governor’s achievements under the MORE Agenda, an acronym for Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.
The ceremonial tee-off was performed by Captain Patrick Ukah, Director-General of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency.
Ukah commended the administration’s investment in sports and infrastructure, asserting that the tournament reflected a broader commitment to youth engagement and community-building through recreation.
“From grassroots sports initiatives to the major overhaul of Warri Stadium, Governor Oborevwori’s efforts in sports infrastructure have been commendable,” Ukah said, pointing to golf tourism as an untapped economic avenue for the state.
While the occasion celebrated symbolic gains, observers noted that the event also doubled as a platform for elite networking, raising questions about the inclusivity of such state-endorsed recreational showcases.
Critics argue that while golf development is commendable, it must not overshadow the pressing needs of local communities lacking basic sports facilities or struggling with underfunded youth programs.
Kingsley Emu, Secretary to the State Government, described golf as “a sport of unity and refinement,” emphasizing its role in building social capital among decision-makers.
However, this emphasis on elite participation stands in contrast to broader calls for a more people-oriented approach to sports development that reaches the grassroots.
The tournament ended with a ceremonial presentation of the Akwa Ocha, a symbol of Delta’s rich cultural heritage, to members of the visiting Ikoyi Club, a gesture praised for promoting cultural diplomacy.
Competitive highlights included several categories such as men’s and ladies’ handicaps, veterans, and gross score champions.
Ibori Golf and Country Club emerged dominant with a score of 15:1, reinforcing home advantage.
Despite its exclusivity, the event was lauded by participants as a successful blend of sport, culture, and political symbolism.
Still, it reignites discussions on the balance between ceremonial pageantry and sustainable development, particularly in a state where many citizens continue to demand more tangible dividends of democracy.
As the Oborevwori administration enters its third year, stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether symbolic gestures such as golf tournaments translate into broader, inclusive development across Delta State.
