Golf a potential foreign exchange earner,tourism, international reputation —-Mark

Senate President Senator David Mark has emphasized the need to develop the game of golf in Nigeria as a means of improving Nigeria's foreign exchange earnings, promote tourism and a tool for international engagement.

One way to do this, Senator Mark pointed out is to catch our sports men and women young and providing the needed facilities of international standards for them.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 6th Edition of Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State PRO–AM Golf tournament in Otukpo yesterday, Senator Mark maintained that the game of golf has assumed an international status of being a tourism centre, a means of foreign exchange earner and a tool for international engagement .

” As members of the global community , we cannot ignore the potential of the game of golf in today's world. That is why I will continue to emphasize the need to catch our sports men and women young, so that they can grow with it and be positioned to compete favourably at international meets”, Senator Mark stated.

He added: ” I am optimistic that we can produce Golf legends like Tiger Woods in Nigeria if we do the right thing . It is achievable “.

In his remarks, Governor Suswam noted that of his administration's revolutionary investment in infrastructure , ” Sports remain a cardinal tool for social and economic mobilization and development of our people.”

Represented by the State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Egbiri Idaah, Suswam praised Senator Mark for facilitating the establishment of a golf course in the State, saying that the annual tournament has continued to attract professionals from all over the federation and the West African Sub-Region, parading the best that golf can offer in the region.

South African Ambassador to Nigeria, represented by Sthembiso Shongwe emphasized the need to develop and promote the game of golf in Africa because of its potential to promote peace and unity as well as a tool for international politics.

Traditional winner and Ghanian born Otukpo resident professional Amos Korblah won the prized money of One million & eighty thousand Naira only in the men category while Amina Wilfred of Kano golf club won in the women category.

Signed:
Paul Mumeh, Chief Press Secretary to the President of the Senate.