Golf unites Nigeria, says Lalong at Plateau peace tourney

Senator Simon Bako Lalong has reiterated his long-standing passion for golf as a tool for national cohesion, declaring that the sport continues to serve as a natural unifier across Nigeria. Speaking at the ceremonial tee-off of the Peace and Unity Golf Tournament at the Rayfield Golf Course in Jos, Lalong representing the Chairman of the […]

Senator Simon Bako Lalong has reiterated his long-standing passion for golf as a tool for national cohesion, declaring that the sport continues to serve as a natural unifier across Nigeria.

Speaking at the ceremonial tee-off of the Peace and Unity Golf Tournament at the Rayfield Golf Course in Jos, Lalong representing the Chairman of the Board of Trustees commended Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, for backing initiatives that promote harmony through sports.

“My passion has always been about golf, and it remains one sport that naturally brings people together across Nigeria,” Lalong said, underscoring the central role of the game in fostering unity.

The former governor explained that the Unity Cup was conceived as a platform to strengthen social cohesion and peaceful coexistence in Plateau State, urging that the tournament be institutionalised as an annual event to reinforce the message of unity.

Lalong also praised Governor Mutfwang’s handling of recent security challenges, noting that swift interventions had reassured both residents and visitors. “Golfers are here enjoying Jos, courtesy of the Governor of Plateau State,” he added, maintaining that the state remains peaceful despite contrary narratives.

Earlier, the Captain of Rayfield Golf Club, Isaac Ige, highlighted the historic significance of the facility, established in 1913, and described it as one of Nigeria’s oldest golf clubs with international recognition.

He noted that the club’s legacy offers strong potential to boost tourism and position Plateau as a global destination, while also acknowledging the governor’s use of sports as a non-kinetic approach to peacebuilding.

“His Excellency has leveraged sports as a non-kinetic strategy for peace building. It is for this reason that this tournament is aptly named the Peace and Unity Golf Tournament,” Ige said.

He, however, called for urgent government support to upgrade key infrastructure at the club, including the clubhouse and parking facilities, stressing the need to elevate the course to world-class standards.