By Ado Salisu
Golf stakeholders have hailed Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF) President, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, for redefining the identity of golf in Africa through strategic investment, innovation, and sustainable development.
Several golf enthusiasts who spoke to journalists on Thursday said Runsewe’s initiatives have attracted local and international investment, positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for golf development with the establishment of the Golf and Health Signature—West Africa’s only indoor digital golf facility.
They described the Abuja-based facility as a game-changer that seamlessly integrates technology, health, professional training, and youth development under one roof.
South Africa’s leading golf coach, Mpoh Kelosiwaag, described Runsewe as “a rare blessing” after touring the state-of-the-art Golf and Health Signature facility.
“This facility rivals what we see anywhere in the world. Outside South Africa, no African country has this level of digital golfing infrastructure,” Kelosiwaag said.
Kelosiwaag, who is also a member of the Botswana Professional Golf Association, noted that the centre represents Nigeria’s most significant golf breakthrough since the overseas training of local professionals in the 1970s.
“I remember Runsewe’s vision 16 years ago. I doubted it then. Seeing it today, I am humbled. He executed every promise,” he said.
According to him, the facility exposes Nigerian professionals to advanced electronic golf training and accelerates their transition to global competitive platforms.
“With these tools and Nigeria’s raw talent, I see Nigerian golfers competing on the world stage within five years,” Kelosiwaag added.
He urged Nigeria to diversify sports investment beyond football, describing golf as a high-impact, medal-yielding sport.
“One golfer can bring more Olympic honours than an entire football team. Golf deserves serious national attention,” he said.
Members of the African Golf Network also corroborated Kelosiwaag’s assessment of Nigeria’s rising profile in global golf development.
Philip Bobar said the Abuja facility had repositioned Nigeria as Africa’s emerging golf training destination.
“This centre has changed perceptions. Africa now looks to Nigeria for elite golf preparation and innovation,” Bobar said.
Tijanni Aliyu praised Runsewe’s leadership approach, describing it as visionary and sustainable.
“He didn’t just build a facility; he built a system that supports youth development, professional growth, and international partnerships,” Aliyu said.
Ashante Biate described the project as transformational for African golf development.
“This is not imitation. Nigeria is setting the pace, and others will follow,” Biate said.
NGF Director of Marketing and Sponsorship, Mrs. Oyinade Nathan-Marsh, said the federation was leveraging the facility to attract corporate partnerships.
“We are currently in advanced discussions with over 10 high-profile companies to expand golf development nationwide,” Nathan-Marsh said.
She added that the facility had strengthened investor confidence by offering a structured and sustainable sports development platform.
Speaking at a World Press Conference held on Thursday at the Golf and Health Signature facility in Abuja, Runsewe described the centre as “the pride of Africa residing in Abuja.”
“This facility was born out of necessity, vision, and the belief that Nigeria can lead golf development in Africa,” he said.
Runsewe explained that the idea emerged after extensive consultations following the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
“Former Vice President Goodluck Jonathan encouraged us, and the FCT administration fully supported the vision,” he said.
According to him, all international compliance requirements, insurance policies, and partnerships were secured before the project was executed.
“Today, foreign golfers and West African teams train here regularly because of our digital studio, gym, and medical facilities,” Runsewe said.
He added that the centre had eliminated financial barriers for young golfers.
“No child needs to buy golf clubs here. We provide everything. That is unique in Nigeria,” he said.
Runsewe also disclosed that the NGF had sponsored young golfers to tournaments across Africa to improve early exposure and competitiveness.
He further revealed plans to introduce the Tomorrow Golf League (TGL) concept to Africa, with Nigeria leading the initiative.
“TGL will revolutionise golf. It brings the game into stadiums, saves space, and significantly increases viewership,” he said.
Runsewe, who is also the publisher of one of Nigeria’s most widely read golf magazines, Nigeria Golf Network, said discussions were ongoing with partners in the United States to actualise the project.
“Nigeria will be the first African country to operate TGL. This will redefine golf on the continent,” he said.
He commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his support and urged state governments to adopt similar initiatives.
“The FCT Minister has been very supportive of this project and our programmes, and we are grateful.
“We hope to invite him to see firsthand the pride of Africa residing in Abuja.
“I encourage governors across the country to embrace these initiatives for golf development in their states.
“These programmes will define Nigeria’s sporting success in the coming years,” Runsewe said.
