Ado Salisu
Stakeholders in African golf have lauded Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, President of the Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), for transforming the sport in Africa through strategic investment, innovation, and youth-focused development.
Golf enthusiasts and international experts noted that Runsewe’s initiatives have positioned Nigeria as a regional hub for golf, anchored by the Golf and Health Signature, West Africa’s first indoor digital golf facility.
The Abuja-based centre integrates technology, health, training, and youth development under one roof, setting new standards for the continent.
South Africa’s leading golf instructor, Mpoh Kelosiwaag, described Runsewe as “a rare blessing” after touring the hi-tech facility.
“This facility rivals what we see globally. Outside South Africa, no African country has this level of digital golfing infrastructure,” he said, adding that it marks Nigeria’s most significant golf breakthrough since the 1970s.
Kelosiwaag also emphasised the potential for Nigerian professionals to compete on the world stage within five years, crediting the facility’s electronic golf training tools and structured approach.
He further urged Nigeria to diversify its sports investments beyond football, noting that golf is a high-impact, medal-yielding sport capable of delivering Olympic glory.
African Golf Network echoes praise
Members of the African Golf Network also commended Nigeria’s rising profile. Philip Bobar said the Abuja facility had repositioned Nigeria as the continent’s new destination for elite golf training.
Tijanni Aliyu added that Runsewe’s approach combined vision with sustainability, while Ashante Biate described the project as transformational for African golf development.
Corporate partnerships and youth development
NGF’s Director of Marketing and Sponsorship, Mrs Oyinade Nathan-Marsh, highlighted that the federation is leveraging the facility to attract corporate partnerships, noting ongoing talks with over ten high-profile companies to expand golf development nationwide.
Runsewe described the Golf and Health Signature as “the pride of Africa residing in Abuja,” emphasizing that the facility provides young golfers with equipment and resources free of charge to remove financial barriers and foster early exposure to the sport.
He revealed plans to launch the Tomorrow Golf League (TGL) in Africa, beginning with Nigeria, a concept designed to bring golf into stadiums, maximise space, and increase viewership. Runsewe also credited the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for supporting the initiative and called on other state governments to adopt similar programmes to grow golf nationwide.
“Foreign golfers and West African teams train here regularly because of our studio, gym, and medical facilities. We provide everything needed for young golfers to excel,” Runsewe said.
The NGF President further noted that his vision for the sport began over a decade ago, inspired by consultations following the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, and supported by former Vice President Goodluck Jonathan and the FCT Administration.
“Today, Nigeria is leading golf development in Africa. These programmes will define the country’s sporting success in the coming years,” Runsewe concluded.