Commissioner’s surprise visit to Lafia Golf Club sparks hope for sporting revival

By Maxwell Kumoye and Eche Amos

 

  

The quiet greens of Lafia Golf Club came alive on Tuesday as the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, paid an unscheduled inspection visit, signaling renewed government interest in reviving one of the state’s most historic sporting facilities.

The Commissioner, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary Dr. Ibrahim Adamu Alhassan and other senior officials, said the visit was aimed at assessing the current state of the club and exploring new avenues for revenue generation and sports tourism.

During the tour, the Commissioner met with the Club Captain, Engr. Tony Affa, who laid bare the challenges confronting the facility, from erosion threatening parts of the course to encroachment by cattle rearers and a shortage of modern golfing equipment.

Despite these setbacks, Hon. Kwanta praised the club’s management for their resilience and dedication, assuring them of Governor Abdullahi Sule’s unwavering commitment to grassroots sports development and facility upgrades.

“Governor Sule has approved funds for the renovation of this facility,” the Commissioner said. “We are here to build on that momentum and ensure Lafia Golf Club becomes a hub for golfing excellence and sports tourism in the North-Central region.”

He also urged golfers and patrons to remain steadfast, describing them as “ambassadors of the state’s sporting vision.”

In response, Engineer Affa commended the visit as a timely boost.

“This visit gives us hope. With government backing, Lafia Golf Club can attract national and international tournaments,” he said.

The inspection marks what many in the sports community are calling a turning point for Nasarawa’s sports infrastructure, as the Ministry plans to work hand-in-hand with the club to restore its lost glory and unleash new streams of economic and recreational opportunities.

If the Commissioner’s words are anything to go by, Lafia Golf Club may soon trade its worn fairways for a fresh chapter of prestige and profitability in Nasarawa’s sporting story.