Former Plateau State Governor, Sen. Simon Lalong, has praised Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State for the significant development progress achieved under his administration. Lalong made this commendation at the Lafia Golf Club during a golf tournament organized to mark Nasarawa State's 30th anniversary. He expressed his admiration for the state's growth and emphasized the importance of investing in golf tourism to boost hospitality and tourism.
Lalong highlighted the crucial role golf plays in tourism, stating that a standard golf course is essential for complementing Nasarawa's hospitality drive. He noted that the Lafia Golf Course possesses the necessary land, topography, and climate to host a championship 18-hole course. According to Lalong, the course has a beautiful layout, but its full potential can only be realized with proper maintenance and equipment.
The former Governor, who is also the Vice Chairman of the Golf Federation of Nigeria, revealed that he sponsored the golf tournament to celebrate Nasarawa's 30th anniversary and foster cordial relations between Nasarawa and Plateau states. Lalong expressed his satisfaction with the front and back nine of the course but noted that it still poses a challenge. He appealed to Gov. Abdullahi Sule to provide equipment for maintaining the fairways and greens.
Lalong suggested that the same tractors used for farming and mining in Nasarawa could be deployed to shape the fairways and greens of the golf course. He praised the quality of the grasses on the course, comparing them to those found in Port Harcourt. According to Lalong, investing in golf tourism will attract more visitors to the state, creating opportunities for business and economic growth.
Gov. Abdullahi Sule, represented by Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Jibrin Ibrahim, assured that the government is committed to grassroots sports development. He emphasized the government's goal of making Nasarawa a hub for sports and youth empowerment, with a focus on golf. The government aims to create an environment that encourages investment in sports and tourism.
Mr. Tony Effa, Captain of Lafia Golf Club, and National Media Officer of the Nigeria Golf Federation, Thadeus Yilmang, also spoke at the event. They stressed the importance of investing in golf, one of the most prestigious games globally. Effa and Yilmang called on the government and private sector to partner in developing the game, citing its potential to drive economic growth and promote tourism.
The event marked a significant milestone in Nasarawa's history, as the state celebrated its 30th anniversary. The golf tournament brought together golfers from across the country, providing a platform for networking and promoting golf tourism. As Nasarawa continues to develop, stakeholders are optimistic that investment in golf will play a crucial role in driving economic growth and promoting the state's hospitality industry.
Key points
- - Sen. Simon Lalong praises Gov. Abdullahi Sule for Nasarawa's development progress. - Lalong advocates for investment in golf tourism to boost hospitality and economic growth. - The government aims to make Nasarawa a hub for sports and youth empowerment, with a focus on golf.
