Activities marking the 58th birthday anniversary of Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong came to a climax as the golfing community in the State completed its triangular golf tournament at the oldest golf club in Nigeria, Rayfield Golf Club in Jos.

The golf tournament which had kicked off on Friday at the Rhino Golf Club, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment in Jos saw golfers from different parts of the country joining to celebrate the Governor who is an ardent golfer himself.

On Saturday, the events shifted to the Lamingo Golf Club in Jos where many other golfers also participated.

The climax was when the golfers including Special Guests converged on the oldest golf club in Nigeria, the Rayfield Golf club 1913 to compete.

Despite the heavy rain, the golfers defied the odds to honour Governor Lalong. Among the Special Guests were Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State Emmanuel Akabe, Minister of Sports Sunday Dare, DG ITF among others.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Governor Lalong said he was honoured by the golfing community in Plateau and Nigeria as a whole and highly overwhelmed by the show of love during his birthday.

He said this has encouraged him to do more for the State and continue to contribute to national development as the task of building Nigeria is the responsibility of all.

Minister of Sports Sunday Dare said the honour to Governor Lalong was well deserved because of his achievements in restoring peace in Plateau State, developing infrastructure and touching the lives of the people.

He said Lalong has also shown tremendous interest in sports development by not only playing golf, but ensuring other sports such as football in the State receive attention.

Captain of the Rayfield Golf Clu, Retired Air Commodore Lazarus Mshelia who spoke on behalf of all the Captains of the three clubs said they decided to specially celebrate Governor Lalong because of his passion for the game and the goodwill he has brought to the State with his all inclusive governance style.

Commissioner for Information and Communication Dan Manjang on behalf of the organising committee said the triangular golf tournament clearly showed the level of respect and goodwill that Governor Lalong has both within and outside the State.

He thanked all those who supported the  tournament and also reiterated that the administration of Governor Lalong will continue to carry everyone along in fulfilling its obligations to the citizens.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
9th May 2021

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SPORTS MINISTER, GOLF COMMUNITY HONOUR GOVERNOR LALONG @ 58