How Golf can drive Nigerian tourism

Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau has stressed the importance of golf in the country’s quest to develop its tourism potential.

Lalong made this known in Abuja on the sidelines of the first Nigeria Golf Federation Summit for Captains organised by the Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF).

He said golf as a sport can be used to boost tourism and stimulate the economic development of the country.

”The game of golf in Nigeria must move from being a leisure sport to a money making exercise as obtained abroad.

“For those of us who are into the game of golf, we can testify to its unique opportunities for recreation, health and well-being, socialisation and networking among others which are of huge benefits.

“Equally, the sport has economic and business opportunities that positively impact other sectors of the economy, ” he said.

The governor reaffirmed his commitment to using sports, especially golf to promote tourism and socio-economic development of the state.

“Plateau being the host of the first golf club in Nigeria Rayfield 1913 among others, understands the powerful role that golf plays in the economy of a state and the country at large.

“That is why under my under my administration, golf has played a very significant role in boosting our tourism and leisure activities,” he added.

He called on the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, the Nigeria Golf Federation to work more closely with golf clubs for the grassroots development of the sport.

Earlier, President, Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), Olusegun Runsewe said the summit was organised to fast track the development of golf across the country.

The two-day summit which is expected to produce a communique on repositioning golf in Nigeria is being attended by Captains from over 70 golf clubs in the country.