2024 Captain’s Cup: Sports Minister tees off tournament
In a bid to improve the competitive nature of the game of golf, amateur golfers participated in the 2024 Dr Banjo Obaleye Captain’a Cup tournament.
The tournament took place at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja with amateur golfers within and outside the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) participating.
The tournament also marked events organised to celebrate the departure of the outgoing Captain of the Club, Dr. Banjo Obaleye, who had been in office for the past 12 months.
Nigeria’s President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was represented by the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Senator John Owah Enoh performed the ceremonial tee off of the tournament.
He performed this function alongside the outgoing Captain, Vice Captain Ibrahim Babayo, President of Nigeria Golf Federation Otunba Segun Runsewe, Member of IBB Golf Club BOT Chief Lufadeju, and other dignitaries.
The Sports Minister reminded the players, sponsors, and guests that President Tinubu takes sports seriously and is committed to seeing sportsmen and women excel in their respective sports.
He also called for greater collaboration between the Club and the government to promote 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 is capable of contributing to Nigeria’s GDP,” Senator said
He however praised the club members for staying true to the vision of the Club’s founders and assured them of government support whenever required.
Dr. Banjo Obaleye, the outgoing Club Captain, expressed his satisfaction with the number of participants and encouraged them to compete fairly and respectfully.
He announced that the Club will be working closely with the Sports Ministry to elevate the game of golf to new heights.
“Sports can be a cash cow if well planned. Though we are doing well in Football, Basketball, Handball, and some sports, 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, the 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 as reported by www.bsnsports.com.ng