Golf reporters in Abuja have joined other stakeholders in appealing to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Honourable Nyesom Wike, to reopen the prestigious IBB International Golf & Country Club for the good of the sport, the workers, and the wider community.

The club, one of Nigeria’s foremost golfing facilities, has remained shut following a lingering leadership crisis that prompted the Minister’s intervention earlier in the year.

His decisive action—which included closing the club for renovation and a comprehensive membership review—was initially hailed as a bold step to restore order and lasting peace.

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, succeeding Gen. IBM Haruna. Other members 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 commended as a step toward stabilizing the Club. However, several months after closure, concerns have deepened among golfers and staff.

Investigations by one of the reporters revealed that some members are battling health challenges due to the absence of regular exercise and recreational outlets. Staff members have also expressed distress over the loss of their livelihoods, leaving many families in financial hardship.

“The joy, social bonding, and wellness benefits that came with the Club’s activities have been eroded. The prolonged shutdown is taking a heavy toll on both members and workers,” the Golf Reporters lamented.

In a joint appeal, the Abuja-based Golf Reporters stated: “We call on His Excellency, the people’s Minister, Mr. Fix-It, to kindly temper justice with mercy by reopening the Club. 

"This will not only help avert untimely health complications 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 safeguard the ecosystem of the Club.