Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has pledged to support golf and promote its adoption among residents of the state.
Oyebanji said that golf as a sport with immense potentials could be beneficial to residents including those of advanced age due to its numerous health benefits.
The governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Niyi Adebayo, who spoke at Ekiti Golf Club, Ado Ekiti on Saturday evening during the inauguration ceremony of Tolu Falayi as captain of the club and EGC Captain’s Inaugural Tournament, reiterated his administration’s commitment to sports development.
He said, “It’s quite exciting to be here and be part of what is happening today and I must give kudos to the captain who is putting all this together with his team.
“We’re here to encourage them, we believe that golf will become even more popular in Ekiti State. This administration will do the needful to ensure that Ekiti grows in all aspects. One of the six pillars of this administration is, youth development and we believe that those who play sports are young people even if you’re 70.
“So we will look for ways to continue to collaborate with Ekiti Golf Club to ensure that people participate actively in it.
“Through the efforts, I will have many of our people, of our residents adopting the game and coming here to play and enjoy themselves while also, enjoying the health benefits of golf, which basically we all know.
“Even though it’s a slow and easy game, but effectively on the long run, if you play a full course, across even if you just play half course, which is nine holes, your body will not be the same, your body will thank you,” the governor said.
The club’s Vice Captain, Herbert Talabi, said the inauguration event had in attendance over 280 golfers across the country who had come for Ekiti Golf Club Captain’s Inaugural Tournament.
Talabi said, “The participants will compete in the competition, which is divided into two categories namely: gent (18-59) and veteran (60 and above).
“The tournament is to celebrate Tolu Falayi as the new captain, who would pilot the affairs of the club for the next two years.
“There will be awards given in the following categories – the best gross, overall net winner, EGC Guest Veteran, EGC Guest Winner (men), Gents Winner Net, among others.
Credit: punchng.com
