The Chairman of CanaanLand Golf & Country Club, Felix Aganbi, has unveiled plans for a series of major sporting events designed to promote sports development, tourism and economic growth in Koko, Warri North local government area of Delta State.
Aganbi announced that the club is set to host an International Ladies Golf Tournament in 2027 under the auspices of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), with female golfers from across Nigeria and selected West African countries expected to participate.
In addition to the golf championship, the club is also planning to introduce the Koko 10-Kilometre Road Race and the Koko 40-Kilometre Cycling Open Championship as part of efforts to broaden the areaâs sporting calendar and attract visitors to the community.
Speaking in Koko on Thursday, Aganbi said the initiatives form part of a long-term vision to establish the town as a recognised destination for sports and recreational tourism.
According to him, major sporting events have the capacity to drive economic activity by increasing visitor traffic and creating opportunities for businesses in the hospitality, transportation and tourism sectors.
âKoko has significant potential to become a hub for sporting and recreational activities. These events are designed not only to encourage participation in sports but also to showcase the townâs attractions and stimulate local economic growth,â he said.
Aganbi noted that discussions were already underway with relevant sporting authorities and stakeholders to ensure the successful organisation of the proposed events.
He added that the club remains committed to developing sports at the grassroots level and currently supports a range of activities, including badminton and table tennis.
The chairman also revealed that work is progressing on the expansion of the clubâs golf course, with the long-term objective of attaining a 72-par championship standard capable of hosting top-tier competitions.
Beyond the sporting contests, Aganbi said future events organised by the club would feature hospitality and social programmes aimed at enhancing the experience of participants, officials and visitors.
He called on government agencies, corporate organisations, community leaders and residents to support the clubâs vision, stressing that collaboration would be vital to unlocking the areaâs sporting and tourism potential.
âWith the support of stakeholders, these initiatives can transform Koko into a thriving sports tourism destination, creating lasting benefits for the community and the wider Delta State economy,â Aganbi added.
