By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Oct. 7, 2024 (NAN) A Group known as Omoluwabi Golfers Forum has called on Nigerians to build friendships, promote societal values, and help the government to build a virile nation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this was the main thrust of an event held by the Omoluwabi Golfers Forum at the Golf and Health Signature on Sunday night in Abuja.
Some golf enthusiasts and participants who spoke to NAN on the sidelines of the events said the unity and peace of the nation were crucial to its growth and development.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, a Special Guest at the event said that all Nigerians must rise up and fight for the peace, unity and continued existence of the nation, inspite of all the current challenges.
He commended the executives and members of the Omoluwabi Golfers Forum for establishing the platform and ensuring that it thrives, adding that it is in associations such as these that people unite and bond together.
“Golf being a unifying factor is critical, apart from the health benefits derived from it, it also gives us the opportunity to interact between ourselves and share ideas.
“The Armed Forces also is a microcosm of Nigeria as every state, tribe, religion and almost every village is represented in the Armed Forces, and that is the unity that we talk about wherever we get the opportunity.
“We know Nigeria is a big country, unfortunately there alot of countries that do not want us to be united and are doing everything possible to divide us, and that we must not allow.
“Associations like this make it impossible for them to succeed, and so I want to encourage us to get tired.
“The country is currently going through a difficult and challenging time. Yes, great countries go through challenges, but the issue is how we handle these challenges.
“Do you give up, or do you stand and fight? The truth is that if we can confront the challenges bedevilling our nation right now, we will come out stronger, more united, and developed,” he said.
The CDS also commended Otunba Olusegun Runsewe for establishing the Golf and Health Signature facility, adding that it would help to bridge the gap and provide the ambience that is necessary for optimal entertainment, health, recreation and unity of the country.
“The Golf and Health Signature is wonderful, and I promise to come here more often.
“I think this is what Nigeria should be like. Everyone knows Nigerians are hospitable and love being ourselves, and God will continue to keep us together.
“I want to commend Otunba Runsewe for conceiving and putting up this very unique facility together,” he said.
Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, the President, Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), said that the golfing community is set to take golf to another level through strong friendship, network and togetherness, adding that this is what the country needs now.
“Omoluwabi has opened a new chapter and created a conducive environment for us to bring those ideals amongst Nigerians.
“Golf is more than a game. It brings people together, irrespective of tribe, religion, or interest.
“So, Omoluwabi have made a statement by bringing people from different circles to believe in togetherness, friendship, building and promoting the culture of our great country,” he said.
Prof. Bola Afolabi, the Chairman of Omoluwabi Golfers Forum, said golf is an uncompassing game that teaches one a lot of things, including integrity, unity, security, business acumen, to mention a few.
Afolabi said that the game affords members the opportunity to relax and discuss key issues with people of like minds with the purpose of contributing to national discourse and finding solutions to societal problems.
“Today’s event is a mid-year event and social gathering to learn more about the security architecture of the country.
“The goal is for us as individuals to find out how we can help the government in our own little way to promote unity and ensure sustainable development in our country.
“We want to provide sufficient awareness to our people that security is everybody’s business and inform them on how they can contribute to make the country a better place.
“This why we invited the CDS to come and educate us on what we can do in our own individual capacity to help the government in building a safer nation,” he said.
He said that the goal of the forum was to promote unity, culture, character, and charity for national development.
He noted that the forum was a unity of like minds and members of the golfing community, domiciled at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.
“We all got together to develop friendship and ensure that our key objectives will be social integration for national development.
“All we are after is how Nigeria can be a better country, how citizens can behave well and contribute to national development and progress of the nation,” he said
Gbenga Olubodun, the General Secretary, Omoluwabi Golfers Forum, said the concept was envisioned to use golf as a platform to advance our culture and educate Nigerians.
He noted that with the combination of Golf and Health Signature, the Forum has made tremendous progress
“We are here to make a statement that golfing activities can be used to enhance our culture, unite Nigerians together, and bring about national development.
“This is something we have signed up for, and I am sure that Nigerians will see the result shortly of this gathering of great minds, using golf as a platform,” he said.
NAN reports that the highlight of the event was the decoration of the special Omoluwabi badge and presentation to the CDS and NGF President for their various contributions to the service of the nation and the growth and development of golf in Nigeria.
Prizes, awards, and certificates of participation were also presented to winners and participants of the Omoluwabi indoor golf tournament by Otunba Runsewe.
Toyin Elegbede emerged as the overall winner with 10 points, while the trio of Olubodun, Gbenga Olaleye, and Bamidele Obiyan finished as runners up(NAN)
This is a well-covered report of the event.
Thanks to NAN for a job well done.