By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Oct. 1, 2024 (NAN) Some golf enthusiasts on Tuesday harped on the need for national unity as high-profile players and guests featured at the ceremonial tee-off of the 64th Independence Golf Tournament in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the Cup tournament which began on Sept.24 had no fewer than 400 golfers competing for honours at the IBB International Golf and Country Club (IBBIGCC), Abuja.
No fewer than five countries including; Ghana, Uganda, Cameroon, Rwanda and host Nigeria took part in the tournament organised in honour of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day Anniversary.
The curtain-raiser to Tuesday’s grand-finale began with the ceremonial tee-off by top members of the IBBIGCC, including the Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh.
Sen. Enoh, while performing the tee-off ceremony, described the Independence Day Tournament as one that has been consistent in bringing diverse people together under the umbrella of sports.
“It’s good that the club has continued to sustain this tradition, where you have people from other countries participating in this competition to mark the country’s Independence Anniversary.
“To sustain a tradition is not an easy thing, and that’s what they have continued to do. So, I congratulate the club captain and his executives for putting this together again this year.
“The spirit of unity that the tournament continues to foster is not what you can take for granted,” he said.
Enoh said Nigeria’s story over the past 64 years had been a mixed bag of fortune, adding that inspite of the challenges as a country, we still had much to celebrate as we continue to pray and keep hope alive.
“Let me use this opportunity to congratulate all of us for this glorious day; the Independence celebration our country.
“In spite of what the challenges are, we have been assured today again by Mr President that we should keep hope alive.
“What the president has preferred not to do is not to play politics with the task of governance, but to confront the matters as they are.
“I think he has a choice to play politics and to continue to postpone that dooms day, but he prefers to confront it head on and has appealed for unity, understanding and patience.
“I believe that Mr president means well for our country and we should just continue to pray for this country for its continuous unity and progress,” he said.
A member of the IBB Golf Club and immediate past Minister of Women’s Affairs and Social Development, Dame Pauline Tallen said that the Independence Tournament is a reminder of the country’s belief in unity amidst challenges.
“For the fact that Nigeria is one united entity, we must thank God that we are still one and we will continue to be one.
“There are so many reasons why we should celebrate. I don’t want to be on the negative side, I always believe it will be better.
“I know that God loves the country and the prayers of the faithful will not go in vain. We are praying and God will touch the hearts of our leaders to make the country to be better.
“Mr president in his broadcast this morning appealed to Nigerians that he was going to do everything possible to improve the economy.
“So, let us be positive and key along with him, praying that things will be better for our country,” she said.
Former Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogora, said the gathering of people with different political leanings and beliefs in the name of the Independence tournament underlined the peoples’ aspiration for togetherness.
“I think if you look at the mood in Nigeria, we always have to speak in the way that reflects the mood of the ordinary person in this country.
“It’s unfortunate, just like many other countries in the world, that Nigeria is locked, trapped in a new word that was coined during the COVID called “karmacrisis”; that is one crisis after another and even when things appear to get well, they dissolve into another crisis.
“So, I feel the pains of Nigerians, but there’s never a time in my life as now that I am hopeful Nigeria will overcome these challenges.
“The basis of my hope is that other countries have witnessed devastations that far exceeded what we are experiencing and they have come out of it better.
“I urge Nigerians to remain ever hopeful that we can come out of this karmacrisis, and it is about what we can do together and not what any government can do for us.
“So, my call to my brothers and sisters is that we should plant the trees that we hope to harvest their fruits and not wait for any government to do it for us,” Dogara said.
Joe-Kyari Gadzama, a former Captain of the IBB Golf Club, said Nigeria has all it takes to be great, adding however that Nigerians must do away with all divisive tendencies and come together in unity for the peace and progress of the nation.
“In the first place, one must count himself as most privileged to be alive to witness this 64th Anniversary of Nigeria’s Independence.
“I believe strongly that where there is life, there’s hope and where there is a will, there is a way. We have had our challenges, problems and difficulties as a people, but we can rejig this nation.
“We have all it takes in terms of human and natural resources, geographical location, weather and everything that is necessary to push this country to the next level.
“So, organising this tournament I believe is one of the ways to celebrate this great nation and that is why golfers both in the country and from other parts of the world have come together in the last one week to celebrate with us.
“We must come together in unity and de-emphasize all those primordial factors that try to separate us and move as one nation,” he said.
On his part, Captain of the IBB Golf Club, Ibrahim Babayo said the Independence Tournament under his watch had presented the country as a unique brand to the world, noting that golf is a unique game that calls for all and sundry.
“We are here as a club to celebrate as patriotic citizens of this great country through the game of golf.
“There’s much to celebrate and I believe and I am very optimistic that we will turn around the fortunes of this country by the grace of God.
“We have had the president this morning, and all hands must be on deck as the growth and prosperity of the nation is everyone’s responsibility.
“So, in our own little way at IBB Golf Club, we are always passionate about this and we invite other countries to come participate and celebrate with us,” he said.
Chairman Organising Committee and Vice-Captain of the IBB Golf Club, Dr. James Agbonhese said the objectives of this year’s edition of the Independence Tourney had already been met ahead of the closing ceremony.
“This is about the largest contingent of participants we have had in the history of the tournament and it reflects the love Nigerians have for their country.
“We are very happy that we have met the target of the tournament by all ramification. All golfers within and outside took part in this tournament.
“We were also able to give our seed money to to the professionals because it’s not all about we and our guests enjoying golf, but we need to prop up our professionals, so that they can compete internationally.
“Most importantly, is to celebrate our great country because we have no other nation but Nigeria.
“Inspite of all the challenges we are facing now, I want to assure every Nigerian that this country will be great again,” he said.
NAN reports that the week-long tournament which climaxes on Tueday with the prize/award ceremony and dinner, got underway on Sept. 24. (NAN)
