Economic crisis: major factor against growth, development of Golf – Oyelowo

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By; Bayo Akamo, Ibadan.
A retired Police Commissioner and doyen of Premier Golf Club, Mr Dejo Oyelowo, has tasked the Federal Government to go ahead in building global confidence in Nigeria economy to give room for investments to thrive in the country.
Mr Oyelowo made the call while speaking at the end of the two-day Ibadan Golf Club’s 4th Insurance Open 2016 tournament held at the club’s ground in Ibadan.
The doyen of the premier Golf Club pointed out that the state of the economy in the country is adversely affecting sponsorship of Golf tournaments by companies and entrepreneurs operating in the country thereby hindering Nigeria’s moves to produce world-class professional golfers.
“In those days, during the oil boom, we used to have professional golfers from the whole world, coming to play here at the Ibadan Golf Club; even up to the No. 1 professional player.  But in the recent past, the economic situation in the country has been the major factor militating against the growth and development of Golf in Nigeria as it has been negatively affecting sponsorship by companies,” he said.
He stressed that with the present administration under President Muhammadu Buhari’s laudable moves at putting Nigeria economy on the right track, there are hope for industrialists and businessmen in Nigeria to perform their expected social responsibilities in the areas of developing sporting activities in the country.
“We however thank God that the present government in Nigeria has been doing a lot to give confidence and trust to the national economy.  There is belief and trust in the government now that things will continue to be better.  And it will interest you to note that industries are gradually showing interest in the promotion and sponsorship of sporting activities, particularly Golf.
 
“No wonder, therefore, the large turnout at this Insurance Open 2016.  It is a success story because since the beginning of the year, we have not witnessed any turnout as large as this.”
In his remark, the Chairman, Organising Committee of the tournament, Chief Olatunde-Agbeja, lauded all the 17 insurance companies that jointly supported the sponsorship, saying, “my fellow golfers, these companies need our patronage.  It is only when we insure our homes, assets and businesses that they will be buoyant enough to support us for the 5th edition in 2017.  Insurance is a risk transfer mechanism that will make life easy and bearable when disasters happen.  So, please insure with our sponsors and contribute to their success stories as they have stretched their hands of sponsorship to us in Ibadan Golf Club.”
The Ibadan Golf Club’s 4th Insurance Open 2016 was attended by notable golfers including, Mr. Akin Funmilayo-Williams, Captain IGC; Chief Babajide Olatunde-Agbeja, Chairman, Insurance Golf Tournament; Barr. Idowu Salami; Mr. Segun Omolehin; Gen. Wole Adejumo; Mr. David Owoyemi, renowned Golf trainer; Dr. Kehinde Osinfade; Mr. Dayo Adejuwon; Prince Olajide Sarayi; Barr. Tunde Akande; Mrs. Evelyn Oyome, the No. 1 female Golfer since 2008, as well as Mrs. Temitope Alonge, the Lady Captain IGC.

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