In a significant move to restore order and efficiency to the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) Golf Club, the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, on Friday inaugurated a new Board of Trustees for the club, with Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, the President of the Court of Appeal, appointed as its chairperson.
The inauguration ceremony, which took place at the Minister’s official residence in Life Camp, was attended by various dignitaries and key figures in the FCT administration. During the event, Minister Wike emphasized the FCT Administration’s commitment to resolving the internal challenges that have plagued the prestigious club in recent times.
Speaking to the newly appointed board members, Wike expressed his gratitude to them for accepting the responsibility and for their commitment to addressing the issues that have arisen within the club. He noted that, as the owner of the golf course, the FCT government could not allow the situation to deteriorate any further. “Let me, on behalf of the FCT Administration, thank the members of the Board of Trustees that were inaugurated this afternoon for responding to the call. There has been a crisis at the IBB Golf Course, and as the owner of that golf course, we cannot fold our hands and see things deteriorate,” Wike said.
The FCT Minister also stressed the necessity for the new board to conduct a transparent and credible election for the club’s Executive Committee, amend the club’s constitution, and ensure that the club is properly registered. He reminded the board that the golf course remains the property of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, emphasizing that the land and the club have not been privatized.
“You must know that we are still the owners of the golf course. It is not privatized. Some of you have held the view that because the government gave you a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), it means that the property belongs to you. No. Government sets up agencies and universities and gives them C of O just to protect the property. But that does not mean that because we gave you C of O as University of Abuja, the government does not own the University of Abuja,” Wike explained.
The Minister also took time to acknowledge the contributions of the outgoing Chairman of the Board of Trustees, General I.B.M. Haruna, thanking him for his leadership before the club’s internal crisis. He assured him that the government would continue to recognize his efforts and expressed gratitude for his service. “Let me thank our dear leader, who has been piloting the affairs of the Board of Trustees before the crisis came up. Leadership is not easy. I know what you have passed through. We want to thank you for all your efforts, and to let you know that government will not allow your services to go in vain,” Wike said.
Looking ahead, the Minister expressed his confidence in the leadership of the newly appointed board, especially under the direction of Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem. He pledged the FCT Administration’s support to resolve the ongoing challenges and to enhance the facilities of the IBB Golf Club.
“We are not joking at all by having a Board of Trustees led by the President of the Court of Appeal. We will do everything we can to give the club the necessary support,” Wike assured the newly inaugurated board.
Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, in her response, thanked the FCT Minister for his swift action in addressing the challenges faced by the club. She also recognized the importance of restoring the club to its former glory, highlighting its international significance, excellent facilities, and vast potential for growth.
“We know that we’ve been given a tall order to watch over the club, and it is not a mean assignment. The importance attached to the club by the government is proper, and we shall not disappoint or take for granted the confidence reposed in us. We shall try our best to ensure that all frayed nerves are calmed,” Justice Dongban-Mensem assured the gathering.
The new board chairperson also acknowledged the valuable contributions of past leadership, particularly the immediate past Chairman, General I.B.M. Haruna, for his dedication to the institution. She expressed her commitment to ensuring that the club’s integrity would be upheld and that the board would work diligently to restore harmony and unity among members.
She also emphasized the importance of fostering a collaborative environment within the club and using the club’s activities to showcase Nigeria to the world. “We shall promote intellectual engagement and work to ensure that the IBB Golf Club becomes a model institution that represents the very best of Nigeria,” she said.
In addition to the club’s internal governance, Justice Dongban-Mensem highlighted the club’s economic potential. She noted that golf has become a global industry with significant economic opportunities, and that the club’s natural beauty, coupled with its environmental consciousness, offers a unique advantage. She pledged to enhance the club’s visibility both nationally and internationally, with a focus on protecting local wildlife and fostering a sustainable environment.
“I appeal to my colleagues on the board to cooperate so that we can work as a body to uphold the confidence that has been reposed in us. I also appeal to our outgoing Chairman and other members of the Board to stay with us and guide us. Let’s work together as a team,” she urged.
The newly inaugurated board has a significant task ahead of them, not only to restore order to the IBB Golf Club but to ensure that it continues to serve as a symbol of excellence and unity within the FCT. The board’s leadership, under Justice Dongban-Mensem, will be crucial in navigating the challenges that have hindered the club’s progress in recent years.
The FCT Administration, led by Minister Wike, has shown a clear commitment to the restoration of the club, and the government’s support is expected to play a vital role in ensuring the success of the new board’s efforts. As the club moves forward, stakeholders and members alike are hopeful that the IBB Golf Club will once again reclaim its prestigious standing both within Nigeria and on the international stage.
