Lalong urges investment in golf to strengthen Nigeria’s tourism sector

Former Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong has called for increased investment in golf, saying the sport could help expand Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality sectors. Lalong, who is Vice Chairman of the Golfers Federation of Nigeria, made the appeal on Tuesday at the Lafia Golf Course in Nasarawa State. He was speaking after a golf kitty organised as part of activities marking Nasarawa State’s 30th anniversary.

He urged governments at all levels to give greater attention to golf and the development of facilities. Lalong said Nasarawa had made progress in tourism but needed a standard golf course to support its hospitality ambitions. “You can’t do tourism without golf,” he said, adding that visitors who came to play could also explore business opportunities in the state.

Lalong said the Lafia course had sufficient land, attractive topography and favourable weather for a championship 18-hole, par-72 course. He appealed to Governor Abdullahi Sule to provide equipment for maintaining the fairways and greens. The former governor said the absence of a tractor and mowers was a major challenge for the club.

He noted that equipment used for farming and mining could also be deployed to shape and maintain golf facilities. Sule, represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Jibrin Ibrahim, said the state government remained committed to grassroots sports and youth empowerment. He said Nasarawa aimed to become a hub for sports development, including golf.

The Lafia Golf Club captain, Tony Effa, and Nigeria Golf Federation Director of Media and Publicity Thaddeus Yilmen also called for government and private-sector investment. The event ended with gifts for winners of the golf kitty, while Lalong received an award for his contribution to golf development.