At the 16th IBB Junior Golf Open, sports experts underscored the critical need to golf’s future in Nigeria through increased grassroots development.
The experts who spoke to BusinessDay at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja highlighted the importance of nurturing young talent.
Sunday Dare, Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, stressed the necessity of enhanced support for youth sports across Nigeria. He advocated for increased investment from the government and the private sector to ensure youth sports receive the attention and resources they deserve.
Dare praised the longevity and success of the 16th edition of the championship, calling it a testament to the value of grassroots sports. “It is commendable that we have reached the 16th edition. The emphasis on ‘junior’ is crucial, as the future stars of golf are often found among the youth,” he remarked. He also urged other sports federations to replicate the model of the IBB Golf Club, advocating for more junior, senior, amateur, and elite championships across various sports.
Ibrahim Babayo, Captain of the IBB International Golf and Country Club, expressed the significance of the championship to the club, emphasizing that developing young talent is essential for the sport’s future in Nigeria. “The future of golf in Nigeria depends on how well we develop these young talents,” Babayo noted.
Julie Donli, Lady Captain of the Club, highlighted the wide participation in the event, which includes children from nine states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). “This year’s championship features 146 children, representing a broad geographic range,” she said.
The 16th IBB Junior Golf Open, organized by the IBB Ladies Golf Section, began on Thursday and will conclude on Sunday, showcasing the importance of investing in and nurturing the next generation of athletes.
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