Nine countries namely, Gambia, South Africa, Ireland, Sweden, Ghana, Cameroon, Gabon, Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal will join Nigeria for the first Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Professional/Amateur Golf Tournament on Tuesday May 15, in Abuja.

Unveiling the logo in Abuja on Monday, the FCT Minister of State, Ms Olajumoke Akinjide, said the aim was to foster harmonious living in the city. ``The introduction of the championship is a testimony of the determination of the present administration to enhance the socio-economic fortunes of the inhabitants through sports. Sports competitions at whatever level symbolise peace and promote the ideals of unity and in recent times, fast-tracking conflict resolution,’’ she said.

Akinjide said part of the goals of inviting foreign participants was to attract and arouse the interest of corporate organisations and investors across the borders into the nation’s capital city. She said it was also aimed at promoting the potential of the city as a viable business environment and tourism destination.

``Abuja has the potential to act as a mirror or window through which everything about us could be brought to the fore, for the world to see, evaluate and therefore, understand us better. The city has what it takes to open its doors for people of different nations and interest to access our God-given natural and human resources for mutual and commercial advantages,’’ she added.

The minister commended the Sports Department of the Social Development Secretariat, organisers of the tournament, for the initiative. The tournament would tee off at the IBB International Golf Club and would feature professionals from 15 to 18 May while the amateur category would hold from 19 to 20 May.