By Ado Salisu
Golf stakeholders say Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF) President Otunba Olusegun Runsewe is giving golf a new identity in Africa through strategic investment and innovation.
Some golf enthusiasts who spoke to newsmen on Thursday, noted that Runsewe’s initiatives have attracted investment, positioning Nigeria as a regional hub with the Golf and Health Signature, West Africa’s only indoor digital golf facility.
They described the Abuja-based facility as a game-changer, blending technology, health, training, and youth development under one roof.
South Africa’s top golf teacher, Mpoh Kelosiwaag, described Runsewe as “a rare blessing,” after touring the hi-tech facilities at the Golf and Health Signature.
“This facility rivals what we see globally. Outside South Africa, no African country has this level of digital golfing infrastructure,” Kelosiwaag said.
Kelosiwaag, also a member of the Botswana Professional Golf Association, said the centre marked Nigeria’s most significant golf breakthrough since the 1970s overseas training of local professionals.
“I remember Runsewe’s vision 16 years ago. I doubted it then. Seeing it today, I am humbled. He executed every promise,” he said.
According to him, the facility opens Nigerian professionals to electronic golf training and accelerates their journey to global competitive stages.
“With these tools and Nigeria’s raw talent, I see Nigerian golfers competing on world stages within five years,” Kelosiwaag added.
He urged Nigeria to diversify sports investment beyond football, describing golf as a high-impact, medal-yielding sport.
“One golfer can bring more Olympic honour than an entire football team. Golf deserves serious national attention,” he said.
Members of the African Golf Network also corroborated Kelosiwaag’s views on Nigeria’s rising profile.
Philip Bobar said the Abuja facility had repositioned Nigeria as Africa’s new golf training destination.
“This centre changes perception. Africa now looks to Nigeria for elite golf preparation and innovation,” Bobar said.
Tijanni Aliyu said Runsewe’s approach combined vision with sustainability.
“He didn’t just build a facility; he built a system that supports youth, professionals, and international partnerships,” Aliyu said.
Ashante Biate described the project as transformational for African golf development.
“This is not imitation. Nigeria is setting the pace, and others will follow,” Biate said.
Mrs Oyinade Nathan-Marsh, NGF’s Director of Marketing and Sponsorship, said the federation was leveraging the facility to attract corporate partnerships.
“We are in advanced talks with over 10 high-profile companies to expand golf development nationwide,” Nathan-Marsh said.
She added that the facility had boosted confidence among investors seeking structured sports development platforms.
Runsewe, on his part, described the Golf and Health Signature as “the pride of Africa residing in Abuja.”
“This facility was born out of necessity, vision, and belief that Nigeria can lead golf development in Africa,” he said.
He explained to newsmen at a World Press Conference on Thursday at the Golf and Health Signature facility in Abuja that the idea emerged after consultations following the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
“Former Vice President Goodluck Jonathan encouraged us, and the FCT administration fully supported the vision,” Runsewe said.
According to him, international compliance, insurance, and partnerships were met before the project was executed.
“Today, foreign golfers and West African teams train here regularly because of our studio, gym, and medical facilities,” he said.
Runsewe said the centre also removed financial barriers for young golfers.
“No child needs to buy clubs here. We provide everything. That is unique in Nigeria,” he said.
He added that NGF had sponsored youths to tournaments across Africa to enhance early exposure and competitiveness.
Runsewe also disclosed plans to introduce the Tomorrow Golf League (TGL) concept to Africa, with Nigeria leading the initiative.
“TGL will revolutionise golf. It brings the game into stadiums, saves space, and increases viewership,” he said.
The NGF boss, who is also the author of one of the most widely read golf magazines in the country, “Nigeria Golf Network,” said the he was still in the process of engaging partners in the United States to actualise the project.
“Nigeria will be the first African country to operate TGL. This will redefine golf on the continent,” Runsewe said.
He praised the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for supporting the project and urged state governments to adopt similar initiatives nationwide.
“The FCT Minister has been very supportive of this project and our programmes, and we are grateful.
“We hope to invite him to see firsthand the pride of Africa residing in Abuja.
“I wish more governors would tap into these initiatives for golf development in their states.
“These programmes will define Nigeria’s sporting success in the coming years,” Runsewe said.
