Veteran sports journalist, Jide Allen emerges Captain of Kwara Golf Club

 

Jide Allen has emerged Captain of Ilorin Golf Club at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the club held at the Club House in Ilorin Thursday 25 January, 2024.

Allen’s resounding victory in a contest that promised to be keen but eventually saw the incumbent stepping down for his challenger to emerge unopposed moments before the election is a definitive testament to his popularity amongst members and professionals and a vote of confidence in his leadership abilities.

The outgoing captain’s capitulation at the last minute set off a wave of withdrawals by other incumbents, culminating in ratification of all contending candidates except for the post of treasurer that went into the only election, won by the challenger 69:9 votes.

The election outcome speaks to Allen’s lifelong commitment and contribution to the game and the high expectations for his leadership and potential to positively impact and foster a new sense of direction, both for the club and for Ilorin golfers under his stewardship.

Allen’s election as 2024 Captain, Ilorin Golf Club, holds the promise of transforming the club in various positive ways.

With his popularity, top-grade golfing skills and positive perception, members anticipate a well-maintained, year-round green course, fostering joy for every golfer. This is expected to lead to a more cohesive and motivated club environment, promoting camaraderie and shared purpose.

Furthermore, under his stewardship, an enhancement in the organization of high-class matches within the club for members and invitational, open competitions for golfing locals, neighbors and visitors is expected.

Additionally, the potential for his leadership of the management committee to attract new members and sponsors could contribute significantly to the overall growth and prosperity of the club.

Also ratified to steer the affairs of the club, following the incumbent’s withdrawal is Shiru Mashood Bala as Vice Captain, while Rasheed Okunlola was elected Treasurer on a wide margin. Re-elected unopposed are Mustapha AbdulMalik – Caddy Officer, Aminu AbdulKadir – Course Officer, Adesola Adesanya – House Officer, James Gomina – Secretary, Kabir Mohammed – Handicap Secretary and Ishaq AbdulMajeed – Competition Secretary.

The iconic Ilorin Golf Club in the West Central capital city of Kwara State, Nigeria was established in 1975.

Sports Minister inaugurates federation presidents, boards

... Business and Technical Workshop Session Underway

Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare Friday inaugurated the Presidents and boards of Sports Federations charging them to roll up their sleeves for the task of deepening development of Sports in Nigeria. 

The Minister while congratulating the new board executives emphasized the need for them to work as a team while restating the need to be guided by established processes, procedures and Code of Governance of National Sports Federations in the discharge of their responsibilities. “As you are aware, the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development’s core responsibilities are focused at facilitating youth and sport development through the establishment of a conducive policy environment that provides strategic support systems and sport policy implementation, amongst other functions. The Ministry coordinates the formulation and review of policies and legislation in order to provide a framework for effective implementation of youth and sports programs”, Dare reaffirmed. 

“Let me also stress that the future of the various sports is now in your hands, the career of our young athletes under your Federations is now in your hands and history will judge you how you have positively or otherwise impacted Sports in your respective governing bodies”, the Minister added. 

In line with the reclassification of sports from recreation to business as approved by President Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister revealed that a new business orientation will be pursued, tasking the board of each Federation to adopt and bring about a business approach to its operations. Dare further gave a marching order to the newly inaugurated 28 Sports Federations to within six months begin the process of formulating the Federations’ constitution in line with the dictates of various international Federations with the inputs and guidance of the Ministry to ensure domestication and operation in tandem with Nigerian laws and Sports Industry policy.

The Minister charged the board of Federations to settle down to business and avoid the acrimonious relationships that beset some associations in the past. He intimated the new Executives that a 2-day technical and business workshop for capacity building will be organized in collaboration with the Edo State Government, and held in Edo State in the coming weeks.

Otunba Runsewe promises to grow Golf from Grassroot

The Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe emerged as the new President of Nigeria Golf Federation, has promised to promote the sport’s grassroots development.

Air Cmdr Davis Solomon with 10 votes defeated Suleiman Bello from North-East zone who garnered only one vote to emerge as Vice-President.

Otunba Runsewe said he would concentrate on grassroots development of golf in the country, as well as introduce some new innovations into the game.

“We are going to develop a youth programme that will capture the Nigerian golfer from the grassroots because golf is about the only game in which if you don’t start early you can never connect well.

“I am also going to continue from where my predecessor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, stopped. I intend to introduce some new innovations into the golfing arena.

“Today, golf has gone beyond just playing it manually. It is now IT-based. So, I will be bringing a lot of experts from the PGA to come and open more doors for us.

“I can also tell you that there is over six billion dollars in the offing for golfers in the world which the country has not been able to take advantage of.

“So, my plan is to set up a platform where Nigeria can access a major chunk,” he said.

Runsewe also thanked the media for its support for the development of golf, adding that he had also done a lot to promote the game in the country.