Team FCT Golf concluded its participation at the 2024 National Sports Festival in Ogun State with an impressive haul of eight medals: two gold, five silver, and one bronze.
Oche Odoh clinched two silver medals, Grace Agbo secured one gold and one silver, Janet Ali also won one gold, while David Inalegwu, Patience Abechi, and Stella Kadiri added a silver, silver, and bronze respectively.
Following the team’s strong performance, the FCT Golf Association has appealed to the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to champion greater visibility and sponsorship for golf in the capital.
Speaking at the Abeokuta Golf Club during the award ceremony, Chairman of the FCT Golf Association, Mr. Akabom Enebong, called for both government and private sector support to sustain the team’s momentum and grow the sport.
“I want to specially thank my Hon. Minister for FCT, Nelson Wike, for all the support given to Team Abuja that made it possible to take part in this 22nd National Sports Festival,” Enebong said. “Nevertheless, we need his urgent attention and for him to throw his weight behind the game of golf through his right audience and kind words to lead us as the head of the FCT.”
He emphasized the potential of golf as a revenue-generating tool through tourism and entertainment, urging the minister to engage corporate leaders and companies operating in the FCT.
“Golf is a struggling game that requires a lot of support. We intend to embark on corporate marketing of golf across the FCT… We’re also set to start marketing our athletes to them as their product ambassadors who will appear on billboards and signposts so the younger ones can look up to them as role models.”
Reflecting on his leadership since August 2023, Enebong revealed that the association is focused on grassroots development, including introducing golf in schools. He also called for the creation of an independent FCT Sports Commission to allow sports to thrive beyond the Ministry of Youth framework.
He thanked several stakeholders who supported the team’s participation, including Muktor Galadima, Sola Adetiba, Mathieu Gunat, Julius Fadairo, and Farifa Wada.
