Golf Tournament to Promote Diplomacy, Friendship among African Ambassadors – Amb. Okoyen

Published By Eloyi Matthew On Aug 21, 2026

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Golf Tournament to Promote Diplomacy, Friendship among African Ambassadors – Amb. Okoyen

By Matthew Eloyi

The Nigeria Golf Tournament Committee of the League of African Ambassadors has repositioned its forthcoming golf tournament to focus on diplomacy, networking, friendship and stronger relations among African diplomats and other stakeholders.

The tournament, scheduled for August 29 and 30, 2026, at the Ibom Golf and Country Club, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, is being organised under the auspices of Ambassador Lt. Gen. Tukur Y. Buratai, CFR, a member of the Board of Trustees of the League of African Ambassadors.

Chairman of the Nigeria Golf Tournament Committee, Ambassador Ben Okoyen, disclosed the development while presenting the official goodie bag and souvenirs of the tournament to Buratai.

Okoyen said the decision followed a resolution of the Executive Committee of the League of African Ambassadors to drop the fundraising component of the event and concentrate on using golf as a platform for diplomacy and relationship-building.

“As we move forward with the tournament, following the resolution of the executive committee of the League of African Ambassadors, we have also refined the event focus by dropping the fundraising component. We are positioning the tournament principally around golf, diplomacy, networking and friendship,” he said.

According to him, the tournament is designed to provide an informal platform for ambassadors, diplomats, government officials, business leaders and friends of Africa to interact, build relationships and strengthen bonds of friendship and cooperation.

He described golf as a unique avenue for bringing together people from different backgrounds, noting that the sport could contribute to strengthening diplomatic relations and fostering greater understanding among stakeholders.

“We believe golf provides a unique platform for ambassadors, diplomats, government officials, business leaders and friends of Africa to meet informally, build relationships and strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation,” Okoyen said.

The committee chairman also expressed appreciation to Buratai for accepting to have the tournament organised under his auspices, describing his contributions to diplomacy and engagement across the African continent as noteworthy.

He appealed to the former Chief of Army Staff to continue providing guidance, support and encouragement to the organisers as they work to make the tournament a successful platform for diplomacy and friendship.

Okoyen said the souvenirs presented to Buratai were a modest expression of the committee’s appreciation and his association with the initiative.

The tournament is expected to bring together diplomats, government officials, business leaders and other friends of Africa in an atmosphere designed to promote networking, camaraderie and cooperation through golf.

The committee expressed optimism that the event would further demonstrate the potential of sports, particularly golf, as a tool for strengthening diplomatic engagement and promoting friendship and cooperation across Africa.