The Immediate past Captain of Lafia Golf Club, Paul Kouame, has urged the Nasarawa State government to support the Lafia Golf Club in order to encourage the development of the game in the state.

Kouame, who made the call at the weekend while handing over the mantle of leadership to new officials of the club in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, said the state stands to benefit greatly from sporting activities, hence the need for the government to tap into the enormous opportunities that golf presents, and support the club especially during tournaments.

He said: “I started playing golf here in Lafia in November 2017. I became the vice captain of the club in August, 2018 and I became the captain of the club in August 2019. So, I have stayed for two years as the captain of Lafia Golf Club.

“The challenge here has been that Lafia Golf club was not receiving support from the government. But thank God there have been a wonderful action lately during the ladies open. We noticed a wonderful support from our executive Governor and we did well. It was a national event and everybody was satisfied.

“The only thing we request from the government is a little support.The course in Lafia is the biggest one in the whole of North Central in terms of distance and it’s not easy to maintain it,” he said.

The immediate past Captain said he will continue to support the activities of the club and tasked the new officials to work harder for the growth and development of the club and state at large.

In a goodwill message, Captain of Makurdi Golf club, Engr Michael Vaatia, represented by his Vice, Navy Commander Abu Onum, said the location of the Lafia Golf Course was strategic as it connects with most of the North Central states, urging the state government to leverage on it to attract more golfers to the state.

“There is a mentality that the game of golf is a rich man’s game but first, what is rich about having a good health. When you play golf, you exercise and you spend less in hospitals. So what we want is that people should imbibe the culture of exercise,” he said.

He commended the out gone captain for his numerous contributions to the progress of the club and pledged the support of the Makurdi golf to enable them succeed.

In his acceptance speech, new Captain of the Lafia golf, Augustine Okyuwa said they will work according to the rules of the game and called on members to support them to enable them discharge their duties.

“I have spoken to a lot of people in the state and have told them the importance of exercise. The golf game is a very important game so , people are very much aware of that are ready to come in and exercise and contribute in their own way to the development of the club.

On her part, the newly elected lady captain of the club, Marylinda Ogbole, said her administration would ensure that all lady golfers are supported to go out for tournaments to enable them project the name of the state in limelight.

READ ALSO: 2023 Presidency: Dokpesi Has Expressed Parochial Idea Of Old-age – Activist

The new officials elected were Austine Okyuwa captain, Changkat lucky Vice Captain, Solomon Nwokoro secretary, Godwin Ogwuche, Finance secretary and Marylinda Ogbole as treasurer.

Others were Peter Danfuru, Social Secretary, Andrew Yakubu, Bar Secretary ,Edwin Philip Public Relations Officer,
Jennifer Cardy, master.
Mr. Tony Effa, Course Maintaining Officer and Dr. Chidozie Adiukwu, Competition Secretary.

Earlier, a match was played between the Lafia Golf club and Command Army Record Golf Club, Lokoja and the Lafia Golf club defeated her opponent, the winner of the game by 6 -0.