The National Sports Commission(NSC) has praised Olusegun Runsewe, President of the Nigeria Golf Federation, for his dedication to developing golf at the grassroots level in Nigeria. Shehu Dikko, NSC Chairman, represented by Shola Fayoyiwa, lauded Runsewe’s initiatives to increase participation and promote the sport nationwide during the unveiling of golf equipment donated by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, Scotland.
Fayoyiwa noted that the NGF’s efforts to revitalize golf in Nigeria and make the country competitive globally are highly commendable. “Before we have anybody representing the country at the international level, we must identify them. Also, if we want to identify any talents at the grassroots, we must have the equipment,” he said. Dikko added that the donation by the R&A is a welcome development, encouraging other federations to explore similar collaborations and sponsorships.
Runsewe expressed his gratitude to the R&A for the donation and the NSC for its commendation, promising to put the equipment to good use. He aims to make golf a leading sport in Nigeria, leveraging the estimated $4 billion expected to circulate in African golf in 2025. Runsewe also plans to sponsor talents for golf training programs abroad, with a goal to produce Nigerian golfers who can compete internationally.
“As of today, there is no single golfer representing Nigeria in the Masters Open in Augusta. But I promise you that from what we have started here today, in the next two years, you will start to hear about the Okafors, the Chidinmas, the Abubakars, the Olademejis, just like you hear in international football,” Runsewe said. With this initiative, Nigeria’s golf industry is expected to grow, potentially producing world-class golfers and reaping the benefits of international golf tournaments and investments [No search results required].