Golf reporters in Abuja have joined various stakeholders in a heartfelt appeal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, to reopen the esteemed IBB International Golf & Country Club, recognised as one of Nigeria’s premier golfing venues, for the benefit of both the sport and the local community.
The golf club has been closed since earlier this year due to an ongoing leadership crisis, which necessitated intervention from the Minister. While his decisive actions, including the closure for renovations and a thorough membership review, were initially received positively, concerns have mounted several months into the shutdown.
On 5 April 2025, Minister Wike reconstituted the club’s Board of Trustees (BoT), appointing Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, President of the Court of Appeal, as Chairperson, in place of Gen. IBM Haruna. Other appointed members included Otunba Segun Runsewe, Mrs. Grace Ihonvbere, S.I. Ameh (SAN), Hamid Abbo, Admiral Victor Adedipe (rtd), Chief Patrick Chidolue, Mr. Ben Ikokwu, and Adumu Suleiman. These appointments were lauded as a significant step towards restoring harmony within the club’s membership.
However, as time passes, both golfers and staff have expressed growing concerns. Investigations by golf reporters indicate that many members are facing health challenges due to a lack of regular exercise, as the closure has curtailed their access to the club’s facilities.
Additionally, staff members have voiced their distress over the loss of employment, resulting in financial difficulties for many families who relied on the club for their livelihoods.
The prolonged shutdown has not only robbed members of their recreational activities but has also inflicted emotional distress on both golfers and employees alike, disrupting the social fabric and community spirit that the club fostered.
In a joint statement issued by the Abuja-based Golf Reporters, they directly appealed to Minister Wike: “We call on His Excellency, the people’s Minister, Mr. Fix-It, to please temper justice with mercy by reopening the club. This will not only help avert untimely health issues stemming from inactivity but also restore livelihoods and reignite the excitement and joy within the community.”
They further urged the Minister to prioritise urgent remediation work on the club’s facilities to prevent further deterioration and safeguard the club’s vital ecosystem.
As the community awaits a response, the hope remains that swift action will be taken to revive this cherished institution of golf in Nigeria.
