Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara attended the closing ceremony of the 6th CIO Golf Classic at Python Golf Club in Port Harcourt last Sunday, celebrating the event’s success and the international attention it brought to the state. With participants from seven countries converging in the Garden City, the governor highlighted the tournament as a showcase of Rivers State’s safety, hospitality, and growing global appeal.
“We need to spotlight events like this,” Governor Fubara said. “Hosting such a successful tournament underscores the safe and welcoming nature of our state.” He also commended Keeves Global Leasing for initiating and sponsoring the CIO Classic since its inception, pledging continued support from the state to deepen the benefits the event brings to all stakeholders.
The sixth edition of the CIO Classic offered a total purse of N75 million, roughly $50,000 USD, marking it as the largest professional prize fund in West Africa this year. Ikenna Okafor, Chairman of the sponsoring company, emphasized the tournament’s international reach, noting its strategic alliance with Kenya’s Safari Tour. This partnership, he said, gives Nigerian players opportunities to compete on global stages, positioning the CIO Classic as a premier platform for West African professionals.
On the course, Nigeria’s dominance continued with Francis Epe from Ikoyi Club 1938 emerging victorious. Competing against 107 professional golfers, Epe finished 11 under par over four days to claim the N15 million winner’s prize. He edged out host club player Udom Sateer, who finished at eight under par, while Vincent Torgah from Tema Golf Club in Ghana secured third place at seven under par.
Reflecting on his performance, Epe said, “I came into the event with a positive mindset. Staying focused on my game throughout the week made the win possible. Credit also goes to the sponsor, who has consistently supported Nigerian golfers and funded this event over the years. Udom Sateer also deserves recognition; his composure throughout the tournament was impressive, and he pushed all of us to perform at our best.”
Players from Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania, Cameroon, Lebanon, Gambia, and host Nigeria competed in the event, with Safari Tour participants earning points toward the 2026 Magical Kenya Open. The tournament not only celebrated athletic excellence but also reinforced Rivers State as a hub for international sporting events.
