IBB International Golf and Country Club Abuja, Africa’s most prestigious golf club is set to place Nigerian golf on center stage as it rolls out a two-month tactical golf campaign.
The Captain of the IBB Golf, Banjo Obaleye stated that the global promotional and educational campaign expected to start this month (November) will be the first of its kind.
"It is aimed at promoting golf, sportsmanship, the spirit of unity among enthusiasts and the potential of Nigeria emerging as a top golf nation.
"This groundbreaking IBB Golf Club campaign, running from November-December on peak time evening spots will also specially highlight the 2023 Independence Golf Tournament.
"This golf event set an all-time record in attendance, atmosphere, sponsorship, executive presence, community engagement, and the grand car prize from PAN Nigeria," he said.
Obaleye explained that the special CNN campaign was designed to elevate the profile of the IBB Golf Club and showcase the world-class facilities it offers.
He said it would also emphasize the importance of golf as a sport that transcends boundaries, and goes hand in hand with nature.
"The CNN campaign will give a quick photo panorama of the IBB Golf Club.
"It will explore the club's history, world-class facilities, lush greens, breathtaking surrounding and the natural habitat which is also a home to various mammals and captivating crocodiles.
"The CNN feature on the IBB Golf Club rounds up with a powerful tip by the Tournament champion and winner of the PAN Nigeria car, Joe Poromo:
"You never know when it's your day. So anytime you show up on the golf course, keep your head down and play against the course. Greatness could just be a shot away.”
The captain also pointed out that the game of golf was growing in Nigeria.
He stressed that the country was blessed with beautiful courses that could compete globally.
"Our fairways and greens are in impeccable shape and condition. You can come to Nigeria and do your business and also enjoy playing your golf here.
“We are also looking at the youth development and grassroots promotion, because golf is not just about elites.
"We are confident that maybe tomorrow, Nigerian can produce the next Tiger Woods.”
Ibrahim Babayo, the Vice-Captain of the Club and Chairman of the Independence Cup Organizing Committee told NAN that the goal of the campaign was to take golf beyond just playing the game.
"We are looking at how we can improve our social capital and at the same time, how we can improve tourism.
“The potential of Golf tourism is over $19 million dollars. We are excited to be at the centre of history and rewriting the story of golf in Nigeria," he said.
The high profile headline sponsors for the just concluded IBB Independence Golf Tournament were PAN Nigeria, Access Bank, BUA Group, Glenfiddich, Sterling Bank, TAJ Bank and Hope PS Bank.
Others were Landmark Africa, Waltersmith, Premium Pension, Stanbic IBTC, Golden Construction, MOUNA MO and Interglobal.
JSP Communications, “the luxury PR agency” was the official public relations and marketing agency of IBB Golf Club and the 2023 Independence Golf Tournament.
The 2023 IBB Golf Club event also featured a historic special golf exhibition by the Director General of National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and the President, Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe.