John Mlanga, newly-elected Captain of the Lafia Golf Club, has urged the Nasarawa State Government to invest in golf and elevate it to the level of other sports, to attract tourists and generate more revenue.
Mlanga stated this after emerging victorious at the recently conducted elections for new EXCO for the club in Lafia.
Mlanga reiterated the need for the Nasarawa Government to elevate golf to attract both local and foreign investments, thereby attracting more revenues.
He stressed the importance of developing the tourism potentials of the state which according to him, is in line with Gov. Abdullahi Sule’s objectives in diversifying the economy.
The new captain pledged to work with the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to reposition golf in the state in order to capitalize on its advantages.
He added that the club’s master plan included a three-star hotel, to highlight the state’s tourism potential, which had the potential to boost revenue generation.
On the membership drive, Mlanga said he was impressed with the turn out of members during the club’s Annual General Meeting and the election.
He, however, lamented that in spite of its over 70-membership strength, only 40 members were active with half of them not playing at the course on regular basis.
Mlanga, therefore, promised to encourage non active members to fully participate in golfing as he pledged to embark on bringing new members to the club.
He said the benefits of playing golf were enormous, ranging from health to business opportunities.
He also pledged to use his experience as a member of many golf clubs around the country, especially as the former Vice Captain of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Golf Club, to bear in running of Lafia Club.
He said this effort was possible in view of the unique characteristics of Lafia.
He expressed appreciation of the painstaking efforts of the former Captain of the club, Austin Okyuwa, for a job well done.
He was also full of appreciatiation for the state government for the support given to the club so far and called for its sustenainence.
“We will build bridges of relationships and expose the club to the world, reviving and rehabilitating its assets.”
He promised to ensure accountability towards its resources, strengthening the Ladies Section to enhance vibrancy and maximise tourist attractions through synergy with other clubs.
The former Captain of the club, Austin Okyuwa, appreciated members for standing by him throughout his tenure, urging them to increase the tempo for his successor.
Okyuwa advised the new leadership to carry everyone along, no matter their backgrounds or affiliations.
He however reminded the Nasarawa State Government of the promise of making the course green, the erosion control and ensuring the club house was put to use.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that new executive members include Captain John Mlanga, Vice Captain Akin Ogidi; Competition Secretary, Gabriel Ngbea; Social Secretary, Peter Danfur and Maintenance Officer, John Ogwuche.
