Golf reporters in Abuja have joined stakeholders in appealing to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to reopen the prestigious IBB International Golf & Country Club for the good of the sport and the community.
The club, one of Nigeria’s most popular golfing facilities, has remained closed following a lingering leadership crisis that prompted the Minister’s intervention earlier in the year.
His decisive action, which included shutting down the club for renovation and membership review, initially received widespread commendation as a step towards restoring peace and order.
On April 5, 2025, Minister Wike reconstituted the club’s Board of Trustees (BoT), appointing Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, President of the Court of Appeal, as Chairperson, replacing Gen. IBM Haruna.
Other members of the new BoT include Otunba Segun Runsewe, Mrs. Grace Ihonvbere, S.I. Ameh (SAN), Hamid Abbo, Admiral Victor Adedipe (rtd), Chief Patrick Chidolue, Mr. Ben Ikokwu, and Adumu Suleiman.
The appointments were widely praised as a measure to restore lasting peace among members.
However, months after the closure, concerns have grown among golfers and staff.
According to investigations by one of the reporters, some members are struggling with their health due to the lack of regular exercise and access to the club’s facilities.
Staff members have also lamented the loss of their source of livelihood, which has left many families financially distressed.
Indeed, the joy, happiness, and social connections that came with the club’s activities have been taken away, the prolonged shutdown is taking a heavy toll on both members and workers.
In a joint statement, the Abuja-Based Golf Reporters appealed directly to Minister Wike: “We call on His Excellency, the people’s Minister, Mr. Fix-It, to please temper justice with mercy by reopening the club.
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“This will not only help avert untimely deaths due to inactivity but also restore livelihoods and bring back excitement and joy to the community.”
They further urged the Minister to ensure urgent remedial work on the facilities to prevent total collapse and disruption of the club’s ecosystem.
