Amateur golfers both within and outside Federal Capital Territory today participated in the 2024 Dr. Banjo Obaleye Captain’s Cup tournament hosted by the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.
The event is the last in the series of activities lined up to celebrate the exit of the outgoing Captain of the Club, Dr Banjo Obaleye who has been in office for the past 12 months.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was represented by the Sports Minister, Senator John Owah Enoh, performed the ceremonial tee off alongside Outgoing Captain, Vice Captain Ibrahim Babayo, President of Nigeria Golf Federation, Otunba Segun Runsewe, Member of IBB Golf Club BOT, Chief Lufadeju and other eminent personalities.
The Sports Minister reminded the players, Sponsors and the guests that President Tinubu takes Sports seriously while committed to see Sportsmen and women excelling in their different sports.
He however called for more collaboration between the Club and the government in the area of promoting Sports in Nigeria
” Eight months as Sports Minister, I have not received any formal request from this club or any Golf clubs across the Federation.
What this government is promoting is the full implementation of National Sports Industry Policy that will promote Sports beyond religion, beyond entertainment but as a business that capable of contributing to Nigeria’s GDP.” Senator said
He however commended the members of the club for holding on to the dreams of the founding fathers of the Club, promising government support where needed.
Outgoing Club Captain, Dr. Banjo Obaleye exited over the turnout of participants and urged them to compete without rancour.
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He said the Club will relate more with the Sports Ministry in moving the game of golf to higher level.
” Sports can be a cash cow if well planned. Though we are doing well in Football, Basketball, Handball and some sports, but we are not there in Golf and Tennis yet. If the country can put in place, a facility for training, where our youths can practice, sky will be our limit in terms of winning laurels for the country “, the outgoing Captain advises.
500 hundred golfers battle for honours as different prizes await winners in different categories.
