By Victor Okoye

Golf reporters in Abuja have appealed to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to reopen the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the club has remained closed due to a leadership crisis that led to government intervention and temporary shutdown.

In April, Wike reconstituted the Board of Trustees (BoT), appointing Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem as Chairperson, replacing retired Maj.-Gen. IBM Haruna.

Other members include Otunba Segun Runsewe, Grace Ihonvbere, S.I. Ameh (SAN), Hamid Abbo, and retired Admiral Victor Adedipe.

Also on the board are Patrick Chidolue, Ben Ikokwu, and Adumu Suleiman.

The appointments were widely praised as a step towards restoring peace and order in the club.

However, months after the closure, concerns have grown among golfers and club employees over the prolonged shutdown.

Some members reportedly suffer health setbacks due to lack of access to the club’s sporting and recreational facilities.

Affected staff said they have lost their means of livelihood, resulting in hardship for their families.

Golfers say the closure has also denied them social interaction and community bonding the club once offered.

In a joint statement by the Abuja-based golf reporters on Tuesday, they urged the Minister to reopen the club in the interest of members and staff.

“We call on the  Minister to temper justice with mercy and reopen the IBB Golf Club,” they said.

The group warned that continued inactivity may result in health risks and urged urgent repairs to prevent facility collapse.

They also appealed for the restoration of livelihoods and return of joyful activities to the golf community. (NAN)

Edited by Joseph Edeh