*el-Rufai says Nigeria losing out of $90b golf revenue
By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
Raymond Yaki from the host club on Sunday night, emerged winner of the Pinnacle Kaduna Golf Club Open Tournament.
He beat Husseini Peter from Wuyep Lakeside Golf Club to it, as he settled for the Best Nett after two days of golfing action across 18 holes.
Runner-up Nett went to Mohammed Abubakar of the Zaria Golf Club. Best Gross went to Sunday Ishaku of Kaduna Golf Club, while Sani Wakili of Wuyep Lakeside finished as the Runner-up Gross.
In the Veterans’ Category, Chief Frank Onotu from Kaduna Golf Club won the Best Nett, while Willy Azufo also of the same club was runner-up.
In his remarks at the closing ceremony, Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State said that Kaduna State Government had concluded plans to upgrade the Murtala Mohammed Square to a befitting leisure zone, where visitors will be charged minimum fees and allowed access to world class recreational facilities.
He said Nigeria was losing out of the over $90 billion generated from the business of golf annually.
The governor, who was represented by the Kaduna Investment Promotion Council (KIPC) boss, Alhaji Gambo Hamza charged the management of Kaduna Golf Club to see golf as a business and reap revenue for their efforts.
He said Kaduna has lined up several activities ahead of its centenary celebrations coming up in July this year, adding that golf is expected to be part of it.
Earlier in his remarks, Captain of Kaduna Golf Club, Chief Mike Okpere assured that the club had concluded plans to renovate their club house ahead of its centenary anniversary which comes up in 2018.
He said that plans are being made to take the club back to its glorious years of golfing excellence, adding that another tournament will be taking place at the club in two weeks time.
Sponsor of the tournament, Chairman of Pinnacle Communications Ltd, Sir Lucky Omoruwa promised to sustain sponsorship of tournaments at the club.
He said that it was part of his corporate social responsibility, which he explained, is aimed at engaging sportsmen positively, as well as developing the game of golf.
Sir Omoluwa who was out of the country to receive an award in the United States of America, was represented by the acting Chairman Board of Trustees of Kaduna Golf Club, Architect Mohammed Dewu.
The tournament which started on Friday with a gala night, attracted over 300 players from 22 clubs in its two days of play.
It was teed-off on Saturday and ended on Sunday.
