By Oboh Linus, Lafia
Gov Abdullahi Sule has reaffirmed the Nasarawa Government’s commitment to supporting Lafia Golf and prioritised sports development in the state.
The governor also praised the Emir of Lafia, who also chairs the Nasarawa State traditional Council of Chiefs, for his leadership and discipline.
The Governor stated this on Tuesday in Lafia at the Ceremonial Tee-off of the 70th birthday Kitty of the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage (Rtd), organised by Lafia Golf Club.
Gov. Sule, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe
said that the Lafia Golf Course was among the 10 top Golf Courses in Nigeria.
Sule commended the Lafia Golf Club executive for organising the kitty and noted that golf attracts tourists and boosts the state’s image.
“As a government, we do everything possible to support golfing and sports in Nasarawa State. We have started to give a little support from time to time,” he said.
He, however, challenged the club to develop revenue-generating proposals using the vast land around the course.
He suggested the clubhouse and other facilities could be run to generate income so the club can sustain itself, with the government providing only a little push and starter funding.
“If there’s anything more than a kitty for His Royal Highness, he deserves it. May God keep him for us, may God continue to bless him with good health and many more years.
Andoma of Doma, Alh. Ahmadu Ogah-Onawu, who stood in for the Emir of Lafia at the 70th Birthday Golf Kitty, said the tournament reflects the Emir’s humility, passion for golf, fulfilled life of service, integrity and humility.
“Certainly, to the glory of God, 70 years alive, an accomplished life. Days and services that were celebrated yesterday, especially by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in the company of other state governors,” he said.
In his remarks, Tony Effa, Lafia Golf Captain, while thanking the Governor, dignitaries, and golf lovers, said the Lafia Golf has chosen to celebrate the Emir with a Kitty because he has been an ardent Golfer.
“Well, to start with, the Emir is the grand patron of Lafia Golf and is an ardent Golfer. We would have been able to put together some traditional dances and cultural celebration, but unfortunately, we had very short notice to organise this,” he said.
The Captain said that the tournament brought together like minds from the length and breadth of Nigeria to honour and celebrate the life of the Emir.
“If you look at the Emir, he is a humble person with integrity. You can also understand that whatever we are doing here, we are borrowing from his legacy. Today, we are honouring the Emir so that tomorrow we shall be honoured as well,” he stated. (NAN)