President of the Nigeria Golf Federation, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, says the second Nigeria Golf Federation Summit in Abuja will provide a major platform for stakeholders to develop a new strategy and direction for the growth of golf in the country.
The two-day summit, which begins in Abuja on August 26 and brings together golfers, administrators, captains of industry, corporate leaders and other stakeholders, is expected to focus on investment, infrastructure, partnerships and the wider development of the sport.
Runsewe said the federation is determined to use the gathering to open a new chapter for Nigerian golf and establish a stronger structure capable of taking the sport to another level.
“It is going to be very massive,” Runsewe said, while expressing excitement over the number of stakeholders expected at the event.
“We expect captains of industry, golf administrators, stakeholders and golf enthusiasts to join us for this landmark gathering which will feature insightful discussions, developments, investments and the future of golf in Nigeria.”
The summit comes at a critical moment for Nigerian golf, with the federation facing the challenge of strengthening its international standing while also expanding participation and investment at home.
Nigeria recently lost the right to host the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy after the Africa Golf Confederation suspended the Nigeria Golf Federation over unpaid affiliation fees, adding urgency to conversations about administration, funding and international relations.
Runsewe, however, wants the Abuja summit to look beyond immediate challenges and focus on building a sustainable future for the sport.
“We are here to open a new chapter and create a new window of opportunity for golf in Nigeria,” he said.
“We are here to unveil a new face and policy thrust that will reposition our sport and give it the direction, structure and recognition it deserves.”
According to the NGF president, improving the environment for golfers, administrators and other participants will also be central to the federation’s plans.
“Our vision is clear: we want to build a stronger, safer, better organised and internationally respected golf community in Nigeria,” Runsewe added.
The summit is expected to provide an opportunity for the federation to explore corporate partnerships and investment opportunities while examining ways to improve golf infrastructure and increase funding for development programmes.
It will also bring together about 50 golf clubs, with a captain and handicap secretary from each club expected to attend, while around 250 golfers and stakeholders from Nigeria, other African countries and parts of Europe are expected in Abuja.
Among the high-profile figures expected at the summit are Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, who will serve as Royal Father of the Day, former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Senator Simon Bako Lalong, who are special guests of honour. Lawal Garba, chairman of Trobel Nigeria Limited, is chairman of the summit.
The federation has also been pursuing longer-term development initiatives, including coach education through its partnership with the R&A Foundation, with the aim of improving coaching standards and strengthening grassroots development across Nigeria.
Runsewe believes the summit can therefore become more than another gathering of golf enthusiasts.
“This is an opportunity to network and shape the future of golf in Nigeria,” he said.
With Nigerian golf facing both significant challenges and fresh opportunities, the NGF president is hoping the Abuja summit will produce concrete ideas, stronger partnerships and a clear roadmap capable of giving the sport a new direction.
For Runsewe and the federation, the objective is clear: use the summit to turn conversation into action and give Nigerian golf the structure, investment and recognition needed to compete confidently on the international stage.
