Why We Are Investing in Sports, by Obaseki …Says Golf has helped him address the ball of governance

...says Golfing Estate to be completed by 2022

The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has once again restated commitment to sports and games in the state, noting that the recent strides in sporting activities in the state is a demonstration of why more activities must be done in the sector.

 The governor made the remark at the Award Night which took place at the Benin Club Golf section last Saturday where prizes were awarded to players of the game in different categories.

The event was part of this year's Alaghodaro Governor's Cup-a golf tourney featuring amateur and professional players organised as part of the governor’s two years anniversary as well as the Edo Economic Summit.

At the award night, Obaseki remarkably  disclosed that the game of golf has helped him tremendously in focusing on the ‘ball’ of governance in the last two years, and that the evidence of good governance is there for all to see.

Accompanying the governor to the event were the state First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki; the Deputy Governor, Phillip Shuaibu; the Chief of Staff, Taiwo Akerele, and the captain of the golf section of the Benin Club, Osagie Nehikhare.

Commenting on why his administration is committing immense resources and time to sports, the governor stressed that his personal experiences in golf have helped him in the area of governance.

Obaseki said golf is a game of focus, concentration and a game of life.

"When you play the game of golf, you need to focus on the ball ignoring all forms of distractions. It has helped me tremendously coming into politics and governance.

"Golf is a game of life. I have learnt to take lessons from playing the game to the art of governance," he said.

According to him, while playing the game, a competitor can throw a remark that could derail ones focus, ‘but focus must be kept.’

The governor said: "They are like life and political distractions that you must ignore in order to keep your focus."

He added that the focus of his administration has resulted in the strides that have been made in sports with Bendel Insurance gaining promotion to the premier league after many years in the second tier division.

 Obaseki narrated that "at the beginning of this administration, I promised that we were building 20 stadia across the state to help in youth development. The public can see what we have done with the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. When we are done, that arena will be a host to sports festivals and international matches.”

He further reinstated his administration’s resolve to continue to back the annual Governor's Cup.

While disclosing that talks are ongoing with Mixta Africa to partner the state in building a golfing estate and community, the governor said: "The estate would be on 50 hectares of land complete with championship course.”

He further revealed plans to have the new golfing estate ready by 2022.

As the event was not just about making speeches only, awards were also given to winners in the golf tournament.

The first prize was given to the winner of the professional golf competition, Chukwudi Okoro, a professional golfer who grossed 70.

Other winners were Donatus Islip, who took the second place, while Victor Enaegbe came third.

There were also prizes for players in the amateur cadre, as gifts and awards were also given for those on the women categories.

Meanwhile, the over winner of the 2018 Alaghodaro Governor's cup tournament, Barrister Victor Oriesotie, who returned a net of 73 holes winning a trophy and 55 inch LED TV, commended the governor for his developmental stride in the state, as he thanked God for the victory.

Speaking further on the tournament, the golf captain, Nehikhare, congratulated the governor on the successful hosting of the game.

He said: "The governor's stride in governance has convinced us of the need to come into politics and governance. Our governor, in just two years, has been able to set a legacy worth emulating."

Also, the Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong; Edo State Deputy Governor, Shaibu; his wife and other golfers received trophies in various categories in the tournament.