Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has appointed the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, as the chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) for the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja.
This move comes as part of an effort to restore order and efficiency to the club, which has faced internal challenges in recent times.
The inauguration of the newly appointed board took place on Friday at the Minister’s official residence in Life Camp, Abuja.
Justice Dongban-Mensem succeeds General I.B.M. Haruna (rtd) as the chairperson, with notable new members including Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, Mrs Grace Ihonvbere, S.L. Ameh (SAN), Hamid Abbo, Admiral Victor Adedipe (rtd), Chief Patrick Chidolue, and Mr Ikokwu.
In light of this reshuffle, former BoT members General Haruna, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, Dr Tim Menakaya, and Ambassador Babagana Kingibe will transition into the roles of patrons of the club. However, Chief Philip Asiodu will no longer be a part of the board.
Wike underscored the FCT Administration’s dedication to reviving the club, stating, “There has been crisis at the IBB Golf Club and as the owner of that golf course, we cannot fold our hands and see things deteriorate.”
He urged the new board to ensure a transparent and credible Executive Committee election, as well as to amend the club’s constitution and secure its proper registration.
Wike reaffirmed the ownership of the club by the Federal Capital Territory Administration, explaining, “You must know that we are still the owners of the golf course. It is not privatised, just to protect the property. But that does not mean that because we gave you C of O, the government does not own. It still belongs to us.”
He expressed gratitude towards General IBM Haruna for his past leadership, assuring continued recognition as a patron of the club.
“We want to thank you for all your efforts and to let you know that government will not allow your services to go in vain,” he stated.
Pledging support for the new board, Wike said, “For us to have a Board of Trustees that could be led by the President of the Court of Appeal, you know that we are not joking at all. We will do everything we can to give the club the necessary support.”
He called for a renewed focus on improving the club’s infrastructure and services, emphasising the importance of regaining the IBB Golf Club’s international reputation.
In her remarks, the new BoT Chairman, Justice Dongban-Mensem, expressed gratitude to the FCT Minister Wike for his decisive action. She acknowledged the club’s significance and potential.
“The importance attached to the club by the government is proper and we shall not disappoint or take for granted the confidence reposed in us. We shall strive to restore harmony and unity among members,” she said.
Dongban-Mensem acknowledged the substantial responsibility placed upon the board and called for cooperation among members. “I appeal to my colleagues on the board to cooperate so that we can work as a body to uphold the confidence that has been reposed in us,” she emphasised.
She said that with a commitment to collaboration and effective resource management, the new board aims to elevate the club and enhance its reputation within the community and beyond, marking a new chapter for the IBB International Golf and Country Club.
