By Edwin Philip, Lafia.
Following an unscheduled visit of the Commissioner for Youth and Sport Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu and his entire ministry officials to Lafia Golf Club, LGC.met with the Captain on Tuesday, he congratulated the new leadership, reemphasising a good working relationship geared towards an improved Lafia Golf Club.
He however proposed a birthday kitty for the governor to hold on the first week of December.
The inspection tour of the Lafia Golf Club, located along Makurdi road, was to acquaint himself with the facility’s prevailing circumstances and identify potential revenue streams.
The Commissioner received comprehensive briefing from the Golf Club’s Captain, Engr. Tony Affa, who provided an in-depth overview of the Club’s operational challenges and prospects.
In his remarks, Kwanta expressed satisfaction with the level of dedication exhibited by the Club’s new Management and patrons, while emphasizing the need for innovative strategies to augment revenue generation and reposition the Club as a hub for golfing excellence.
“I am here to congratulate you and your new EXCO on behalf of Governor Abdullahi Sule who is committed to developing sports from the grassroots to the peak.
“In line with our mandate as a Ministry, we are here today to encourage the officials and members of the Golf Club” he said.
“Recall that Governor Abdullahi Sule recently approved funds for the renovation and upgrade of this facility to wear a new look” he added.
“We thank our sports-loving Governor for his commitment and dedication to the Golf Club.
“Equally too, we have listened to your complaints concerning the facility and how we can better improve it to get the desired attention.
“We will return to the Ministry and analyse those grey areas and revert to the Governor accordingly, with the hope of getting a positive response from him.
“Continue to be good ambassadors of the State wherever you find yourselves as you continue to nurture talents for global sporting excellence.
“As a responsible Government, we wish to reiterate our support and commitment to the development of talent and sports in the State”, the Commissioner stated.
Captain of the Golf Club, Engr. Tony Effa, in his presentation, highlighted the Club’s potential for growth, citing opportunities for hosting major national and international tournaments, corporate events, and community patronage, while listing challenges faced by the club.
“Thank you for the visit today. This is a visit that will enable us tackle most of our challenges.
“The Golf Course is faced with erosion that is threatening holes, and encroachment by cattle rearers which have seen our fences pulled down, exposing the facility to intruders.
“We lack some modern Golfing equipment and machinery to put us at par with some of the best Golf Courses around the country, thereby affecting our desire to host major tournaments here and generate revenue.”
During the visit, the Commissioner took stock of the Club’s infrastructure, interacting with the Captain, and soliciting the input of golfers and support staff on measures to enhance the club’s fortunes.