By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The FCT Minister, Barr. Nysome Wike on Friday in Abuja inaugurated a new Board of Trustees, BoT, of the IBB Golf Club.
Wike urged the newly board constituted board members to be transparent in their dealings and to handle all internal issues concerning the club through dialogue.
He said,“Let there be cooperation. You must work together to run the affairs of the club responsibly. If there are matters that need government attention, don’t hesitate to reach out.”
” We will always support initiatives that promote peace, accountability, and development”, the minister added.
The FCT minister re-emphasized the importance of cooperation among board members and warned against actions that could undermine the public interest.
“The IBB Golf Club is still owned by the government. What we’ve done is to issue a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) in the club’s name as a legal entity.”
“That does not mean privatization. The land remains government property and must be used in line with urban development policies,” he stated.
He further cautioned against misuse of government-issued C of Os and reiterated the FCT Administration’s commitment to protecting public assets, as he called for inclusivity in managing the club’s facilities.
He encouraged the board of trustees to accommodate the diverse range of members and social groups.
In her response, the newly inaugurated Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Hon. Justice Monica Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem, pledged protection of the integrity of the club while repositioning it as a symbol of national unity and international excellence.
“We understand the importance the government attaches to this assignment, and we shall not disappoint. Golf is more than a game it is a platform for peace, national development, and environmental consciousness,” she emphasized.
Justice Dongban-Mensem paid tribute to former leaders of the club, particularly former BoT chairman Gen. IBM Haruna (rtd), for their stewardship. She called on fellow trustees to work as a family and leverage the experience of past executives.
“IBB Golf Club is not just a facility, it is a home. And family members do not abandon their home. We will preserve its values and project Nigeria’s image positively to the world,” she added.
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