Runsewe Declares NGF Readiness to Partner Akwa Ibom to Develop Grassroots Golf

The President of Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, said the NGF was ready to partner with the Akwa Ibom Government to strengthen grassroots golf development.
He said that the partnership will also create opportunities for young talents across the state.
Runsewe told stated this while reacting to the State government’s plan to train young golfers from the 31 Local Government Areas ahead of the 2027 Sports Festival.
He commended the Akwa Ibom Government for introducing free golf training for youths across the State, described the initiative as a strategic investment in the future of golf.
He said it aligned with the NGF’s priority of developing young golfers and creating a sustainable pathway for discovering future champions.
“This is the kind of initiative we want to see across Nigeria because youth development is critical to the future of golf.
“Gov. Umo Eno has demonstrated that sports development goes beyond organising competitions; it involves identifying talents early and giving them the opportunity to grow.
“The Nigeria Golf Federation is ready to support this initiative and work closely with the Akwa Ibom Government to develop these young golfers.
“We will explore areas of technical support, coaching, competitions, and capacity building to ensure the programme produces meaningful results,” he said.
He said the initiative would help bridge what he described as a longstanding gap between younger and older generations of golfers.
According to him, deliberate investment in junior golf will ensure continuity, strengthen competition, and provide a new generation capable of representing Nigeria internationally.
Runsewe said the involvement of the 31 LGAs would also broaden the talent pool and give children from different communities’ access to structured golf development.
“We are particularly encouraged by the decision to take golf to all the Local Government Areas.
“This approach will help us discover talents who may never have had the opportunity to encounter the game or receive professional coaching,” he said.
He commended the leadership of the Uyo Golf Club for accepting responsibility for grooming the young golfers selected under the initiative.
Runsewe urged other golf clubs and stakeholders across Nigeria to emulate the Akwa Ibom model by supporting structured youth development programmes.
The NGF president said golf could contribute significantly to tourism, youth empowerment, and sports development when properly integrated into grassroots programmes.
He also encouraged the selected golfers to approach the training with discipline, commitment, and a willingness to learn from experienced coaches.
Eno recently announced that five young golfers would be selected from each of the state’s 31 LGAs for free training.
According to him, the leadership and management of the Uyo Golf Club had agreed to take responsibility for grooming the young talents.