Shagaya’s speech at Golf Icons Open

I want to start by thanking the management of Daily Trust New papers for doing me the honor of being the special guest at this GOLF ICONS OPEN CHAPTIONSHIP 2017 AND PRESENTATION OF GOLF ICONS MAGAZINE with a request to deliver a speech at the occasion.

Daily Trust Icons magazine has done well in the last few years by promoting the game of Golf through its paper where a special column is provided for golf. They have also supported tournaments through its magazine.

This Jos edition covers both the tournament and recognition of ICONS TO ICON magazine. We say thank you.

The Choice of Lamingo for this year’s ICON Tournament in Jos with the Governor of the State an astute golfer is only but to re-define the involvement of State Government’s role in promoting the Game of Golf. The Governor of Plateau State recognizing golf as a Tourist attraction is already re-modeling Lamingo Golf course a Green course, and second of such in the 19 Northern States. Next only to Abuja.

I used the word Re-defining the next level because the game was introduced to this country by our colonial masters; following by Reins Development Project and later the Tin Miners in Jos.

By 1924 - Jos or Plateau was the only province capital that had 3 Golf courses:Plateau Golf Club, Rayfield and Barkin-Ladi. The Military Eve witnessed the expansion of golfing activities. More courses were built and a law was passed for golf to be included as a scoring event at our various levels of sporting activities. Hence Golf Union of Nigeria in 1980 set up an office at National Stadium, Lagos. Golf Union of Nigeria was equally formed. This graduated to Nigerian Golfing Federation.

I congratulate once more GOLF ICON Magazine for a deserving Tournament that I truly witnessed.

For the ICONS that have been so honored, I pray that you be good Ambassadors of ICON Magazine and the Golfing family in general.

I cannot conclude my remarks without appreciation to Governor Lalong for his support and participating in the tournament. Because of Governor Lalong’s love for the game, he gave the extra miles in supporting the three Golf Clubs in the State.

To Golf ICONS, winners, participants and the supporters’ club, I say congratulations.