Obaseki harps on healing effects of golf, assures on facility maintenance 

One of the highlights of the just concluded 20th National Sports Festival that would continue to resonate in the days ahead is the golf tournament, a game where Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu featured.

They demonstrated their skills as the governor did not only tee-off at the tournament, which was played at the Benin Gold Club, Government Reserved Area, (GRA), he also underscored the benefits of the game to players and enthusiasts.

At least 18 states etched their names on the gold medal table, with Delta topping the chart by winning five gold, one silver, and three bronze medals, followed by Bayelsa with five gold, five silver, and two bronze medals. 

Plateau won three gold, two silver, and one bronze medal, just as Edo State won two gold, four silver, and three bronze medals.

Ogun, Kaduna, Kano, and Ekiti states won one gold and silver medal each, in addition to two bronze medals by Ogun and one bronze by Kaduna. The Federal Capital Territory, Oyo, Niger, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom states also had their names on the golf medal table signed by the Technical Director, Mr. Dada Adekunle, and Saka Hakeem, Zonal Coordinator, North Central.

Speaking at the end of competition in the golf event, Governor Obaseki said the state government has concluded plans on how to maintain the world-class facilities used in hosting Nigeria’s own Olympic Games, stating that its maintenance was the duties of all sons and daughters of Edo.

He added: “There are tremendous changes in Edo today regarding how we maintain the structures and institutions. It has to do with the people, capacity building and making sure you have the right processes and procedures.
 
“Through the new hiring and recruitment which are ongoing in the Edo State Public and Civil Service, we are going to put in place not only the right people but also the right systems and institutions to sustain what we are doing.

“I am assuring Edo people that these facilities will be kept well. It is owned by Edo people and therefore we must have systems in place to ensure that they are maintained.”

On the essence of the Pan – Nigeria games, he said: “The purpose of the National Sports Festival is to bring men and women together in the spirit of oneness and unity so that they can have a common purpose.

“Our country needs healing, unity, and a sense of purpose and that is why we are hosting the sports festival as part of measures to achieve such unity and cohesion.”

On the benefits of golf, Obaseki, who is an avid player, said: “For us, golf is about good health and happiness and making sure one accomplishes God’s purpose in one’s life. Golf is a game of life because it tests one’s endurance, fitness, and ability to face life’s challenges.

“In America and other parts of the world, the game of golf is played by all, irrespective of their financial status; it is not meant for the rich alone. Golf requires a lot of mental participation.”

Other personalities, who played alongside Obaseki, were Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu; Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq; and the representative of the president of the Nigerian Golf Federation (NGF), Thaddeus Wilmen, among other golfers.