By Isaac Olamikan
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has urged executives of the Benin Golf Club to strengthen collaboration with the organized private sector and other stakeholders to sustain the club.
The governor, who congratulated the new executives of the club, during a courtesy visit at the Government House, Benin City, said more work needed to be done to make the 76-year-old club remain relevant amongst golf clubs in Nigeria.
He said, “I want to thank the Captain and the members of the executive of the Benin Golf Club Section for the visit and to also congratulate them for the election that went smoothly as expected of them.
“Golf is a global game that is not for the elite alone, as a lot more people now understand the benefits of the game. It tests one’s patience, character, and concentration beyond the physical exercise that one receives from playing the game.”
Obaseki added, “Edo is regarded as a home of golf in Nigeria despite other golf clubs trying to establish themselves as the first golf club in Nigeria. Edo is special and we know that the British troop that invaded the Benin Empire stayed back and developed the golf section about 76 years ago.
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“This is an inheritance that must be treasured and as a government, we are focusing and emphasizing the cleaning and greening of the golf section. We will be working with you in planting trees as many of the trees planted have fallen. So we need to address that.
“I urge you to encourage a lot of private sector participation in the activities of the club. I also urge you to work on getting sponsorship as the club has not done enough to attract sponsors to support the activities of the club. It’s a sustainable way to keep the activities of the club.”
The Captain of the Benin Golf Club Section 2022, Ikponmwosa Osayande said Edo State is the only state that has the governor, deputy governor, and Secretary to the State Government as golfers, noting that it is a privileged position for the club to achieve this feat.
