Gov Biodun Oyebanji pledges support for golf as Ekiti club hosts inaugural tournament

• Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has pledged his administration’s support for golf and its growth in the state
• Over 280 golfers gathered at Ekiti Golf Club for the Captain’s Inaugural Tournament, marking a major sporting event in the state
• The tournament featured two major competition categories: Gents (18-59) and Veterans (60 and above)

The game of golf is set to receive a major boost in Ekiti State as Governor Biodun Oyebanji reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting the sport among residents. 

The governor made this declaration through his Chief of Staff, Niyi Adebayo, during the inauguration ceremony of Tolu Falayi as the new captain of the Ekiti Golf Club (EGC) and the EGC Captain’s Inaugural Tournament, held in Ado-Ekiti.

According to Oyebanji, golf is a sport with immense potential and significant health benefits, making it an ideal choice for people of all ages, including the elderly. 

He emphasised that his administration’s agenda prioritizes youth development and that sports play a crucial role in this vision,

“It’s quite exciting to be here and be part of what is happening today, I must give kudos to the new captain for putting all this together with his team. We are here to encourage them, and we believe that golf will become even more popular in Ekiti State,” Adebayo stated on behalf of the governor.

Oyebanji assured the golf club of continuous collaboration with the state government to ensure increased participation in the sport. He noted that while golf is often considered a slow-paced game, its physical benefits are undeniable, as playing a full or even half course significantly improves overall well-being.

The event attracted a massive turnout, with over 280 golfers from across the country competing in the tournament. EGC’s Vice Captain, Herbert Talabi, highlighted the competition’s structure, which divided participants into two categories: Gents (18-59 years old) and Veterans (60 and above).

The tournament also featured multiple award categories, including Best Gross, Overall Net Winner, EGC Guest Veteran, EGC Guest Winner (Men), and Gents Winner Net.

With Falayi set to lead Ekiti Golf Club for the next two years, and the state government throwing its weight behind the sport, golf’s popularity in Ekiti looks set to improve in the coming years.

Nigeria is gambling with leadership selection — Gov Oyebanji

Meanwhile, TheRadar previously reported that Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State expressed deep concern over Nigeria's ongoing "gamble" with leadership selection, describing it as a precarious "try-by-error" system. 

Speaking at the on Wednesday, October 9 at the 11th Annual Public Lecture of the Foursquare Gospel Church, titled “Leadership in Nigeria and its Impact on the Next Generation,” Oyebanji advocated for integrating leadership training and mentorship into the national education curriculum.