Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong, yesterday teed off the Governor’s Cup, a tournament organised in his honour in Lamingo Golf Club at Lamingo, Jos South Local Government of the State.

Lalong, who came in smart sports attire to the Golf Club, teed off the tournament and described it as an indication that tourism was alive in the state.

The governor described golf as a game that would encourage tourism back to the state, adding, “When I came on board, we had a game of golf and everybody all over the state was there and after that, people started coming to the state, individuals were flowing into Plateau. Today (yesterday) we are having the second Governor’s Cup and I see a crowd again with professionals ready to tee off today.

“One of our policy thrusts is tourism. Plateau is known well for tourism. Plateau is best positioned for tourism. And one thing you can do to encourage tourism is when you have a good golf course. So, you can see today that I promised last year that we would be playing on the green. By God’s grace, we are playing on the green this year.”

On the assurance to the participants to the venue for the competition, Lalong assured them that there was going to be a very peaceful atmosphere, adding that it is also kick – starting the best of Christmas this year in Jos.

According to him, “I have invited people, without even inviting people, I have seen a lot, even my colleague governors are coming to spend Christmas in Jos this year. So, I am expecting the best of golf this year in Plateau State. I can even see the anxiety in the professionals. So, when they finish, when we come the amateurs, you will see more of the best in golf.”

The governor disclosed that he would play as an amateur as he still held on to his “handicap.”
Also speaking at the event, the Captain of the Lamingo Golf Club, Prof. Nuhu Dakum, thanked the club and the governor for always supporting sports in the state, particularly golf.

Dakum revealed that funds for the construction of the green came from the friends of the governor, adding that the governor was determined to raise sport to a level that the private sector would solely be responsible for the whole of the tournament’s organisation.

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Lalong tees off Lamingo Golf Club’s Governor’s Cup