Abia Golfers Team up to Build World-class Championship Golf Course in Umuahia

... Sets up Technical Committee for Project

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.

The Abia golfers, living in various parts of Nigeria and in other countries have come together under the Abia Classic Golf & Country Club with the noble objective of placing their state on the global map of golf tourism destinations.

Already a technical committee with Arc. Benson Ezem and Anthony Ezenwoko, serving as Chairman and Secretary, respectively, has been set up with clear-cut terms of reference to ensure the realisation of the project.

Specifically, the Technical Committee has been charged "to develop a comprehensive proposal and investment package for presentation to the Governor of Abia State.

"The goal is to facilitate the creation of a world-class golf and country club that meets international standards and contributes to the socio-economic development of the state," the Committee Chairman said.

Ezem, a renowned architect and Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects(NIA), who is the chief promoter of the project, 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.

Going by the lofty aim, this exclusive 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 be replicated in Umuahia.

With Ezem, a renowned project development consultant and President of Cosmo Base Consortium Limited on the driving seat, and going by the objectives of the Abia Classic Golf and Country Club, a standard championship golf course would spring up in Umuahia.

Other prominent Abians and golf enthusiasts pushing for the realisation of the legacy project include Senator Nkechi Nwaogu, who is a board of trustees member, the chairman of the South East Development Commission(SEDC), Chief Emeka Wogu, and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.

The Committee has set about by engaging 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".

According to the Technical Committee Chairman, the forum created "to bring all Abia golfers together" has indeed come at the right time given the disposition of the present government to encourage inclusive participation in Abia development.

He explained that the forum came to being "for the purpose of fostering unity and pursuing a common goal in developing a modern golf course in the state capital, Umuahia".

To further deepen and showcase its emergence, the Abia Classic Golf and Country Club has planned an "Awareness Maiden Golf Super Kitty" slated for April 19, 2025 at the golf course of the Aba Sports Club.

Governor Alex Otti, who has 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.

"By achieving (its) set objectives, the forum can make a significant impact on golf development, tourism, and community engagement in Abia State," Ezem stated.

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