Runsewe Backs Akwa Ibom’s Grassroots Golf Drive, Hails Eno

President of the Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, has commended the Akwa Ibom Government for introducing free golf training for young people across the state.

Runsewe described the initiative as a strategic investment in the future of golf and praised Governor Umo Eno for prioritising youth and sports development.

He said the NGF was ready to partner with the state government to strengthen grassroots golf and provide a pathway for young talents to develop into elite players.

Runsewe made the remarks while reacting to the state government’s plan to select and train young golfers from the 31 Local Government Areas ahead of the 2027 Sports Festival.

He said the initiative was consistent with the federation’s objective of developing junior golfers and creating a sustainable talent-development system.

“This is the kind of initiative we want to see across Nigeria because youth development is critical to the future of golf,” Runsewe said.

“Governor Eno has demonstrated that sports development goes beyond organising competitions; it involves identifying talents early and giving them the opportunity to grow.”

He said the NGF would explore technical support, coaching, competitions and capacity-building opportunities with the state to ensure the programme delivers lasting benefits.

Runsewe also said taking the initiative to all 31 Local Government Areas would broaden the talent pool and give children who might otherwise have no access to golf an opportunity to discover the sport.

“We are particularly encouraged by the decision to take golf to all the Local Government Areas.

“This approach will help us discover talents who may never have had the opportunity to encounter the game or receive professional coaching,” he said.

The NGF president commended the management of the Uyo Golf Club for accepting responsibility for grooming the young golfers selected under the programme.

He urged other golf clubs and stakeholders across the country to adopt similar grassroots development initiatives, noting that sustained investment in junior golf would help bridge the gap between generations and ensure continuity in the sport.

Runsewe also highlighted the potential of golf to contribute to youth empowerment, tourism and broader sports development when properly integrated into grassroots programmes.

He advised the selected young golfers to approach the training with discipline, commitment and a willingness to learn from experienced coaches.

Earlier, Governor Eno announced that five young golfers would be selected from each of the state’s 31 Local Government Areas for free training ahead of the 2027 Sports Festival.

The governor made the announcement through the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival.

“Henceforth, all the Local Governments will be required to provide five young golfers each for them to train free of charge, preparatory to next year’s festival,” Eno said.

Beyond golf, Eno said the 2026 Sports Festival had demonstrated the growing depth of sports in the state, with the number of competitive disciplines rising from 18 to 27.

He added that about 4,000 young athletes participated in the festival, while medal-winning athletes and participating Local Government Areas would receive recognition and rewards.

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