By Edwin Philip, Lafia

The Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr Abdullahi Sule, has reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting Lafia Golf to improve tourism and business and sports development in the state.

The Governor stated this on Tuesday in Lafia during the ceremonial tee-off of the 70th birthday kitty of the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage (Rtd), organised by the Lafia Golf Club, Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe said that the Lafia Golf Course is among the 10 top golf courses in Nigeria.

He commended the Lafia Golf Club executive for putting up the kitty in honour of the revered traditional ruler, who marked his 70th birthday on June 22, and noted that the kitty is a good way of honouring the emir.

He praised the Emir of Lafia, who also chairs the Nasarawa State Traditional Council of Chiefs, for his leadership and discipline.

“If there’s anything more than a kitty for His Royal Highness, he deserves it. May God keep him for us; may God continue to bless him with good health and many more years.

He, however, challenged the club to develop revenue-generating proposals using the vast land around the course.

“As a government, we do everything possible to support golfing and sports in Nasarawa State. We have started to give a little support from time to time,” he said.

On his part, the Andoma of Doma, Alh. Ahmadu Ogah-Onawu, who stood in for the Emir of Lafia at the 70th Birthday Golf Kitty, said the tournament reflects the Emir’s humility, love for golf and fulfilled life of service, integrity and humility.

“Certainly, to the glory of God, 70 years alive, an accomplished life. Days and services that were celebrated yesterday, especially by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in the company of other state governors,” he said.

Also speaking is the captain of Lafia Golf Club, Engr. Tony Effa, who appreciated Governor Sule for his support of the golf club, said the kitty was put together as a modest way of celebrating the Emir of Lafia, who is the chairman of the board of trustees of the club and an ardent golfer.

Thanking the governor, dignitaries, and golf lovers, he said Lafia Golf has chosen to celebrate the Emir with a kitty because he has been an ardent golfer.

He thanked golfers and dignitaries who came from far and near to celebrate the Emir with a round of golf at Lafia Golf and said that the tournament brought together like minds from the length and breadth of Nigeria.

“If you look at the Emir, he is a humble person with integrity. You can also understand that whatever we are doing here, we are borrowing from his legacy.

“So tomorrow, you should always think of being honoured as well. Today, we are honouring the Emir so that tomorrow we shall be honoured as well,” he stated.