NGF President Runsewe advocates greater women participation in golf
President of the Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, has called for increased participation of women in golf, emphasizing the need to promote inclusivity and diversity in the sport. He made this known while congratulating Maryann Philip-Shaibu on her historic achievement in Nigerian golf. Philip-Shaibu was crowned Queen of the Green for the 2024/2025 […]
l r maryann philip shaibu alongside her husband, comrade philip shaibu
President of the Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, has called for increased participation of women in golf, emphasizing the need to promote inclusivity and diversity in the sport.
He made this known while congratulating Maryann Philip-Shaibu on her historic achievement in Nigerian golf. Philip-Shaibu was crowned Queen of the Green for the 2024/2025 season after winning the Benin Club Golf Ladies Tournament for the second year in a row—making her the first woman in the club’s history to achieve back-to-back victories as the ladies’ overall match play champion.
In a statement personally signed by Runsewe yesterday in Abuja, he said the commendation was “not just a celebration of Maryann’s achievement but also a call to action for more women to participate in golf.”
He noted, “The NGF has been working to increase women’s participation in golf, recognising its benefits for physical and mental well-being. As a federation, one of our goals is to promote women’s golf by introducing golf to young girls and women at the grassroots and providing training and coaching.”
Runsewe highlighted the global growth of women’s golf, citing trends in other countries. “Globally, women’s golf has seen significant growth, with more women taking up the sport. According to the National Golf Federation, the number of women and girls playing golf in the United States has increased by 23 per cent since 2018. This trend is mirrored in other countries, with initiatives like Topgolf and golf simulators attracting new players, and Nigeria can not be an exception,” he said.
He expressed optimism that Mrs Philip-Shaibu’s victory would inspire more women to take up the sport. “Her achievement will go a long way in encouraging more women to take up golf, promoting greater inclusivity. It will also inspire young golfers, especially women, to pursue their passion for golf,” he added.