The Chairman, FCT Golf Association, Mr Akabom Enebong, on Saturday hosted the Head of Service, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Mrs Nancy Sabanti Nathan, mni, to her first golf training in Abuja.
The training took place at the TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club, Abuja, as part of efforts to promote women’s participation and grassroots development of golf.
Enebong told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that involving decision-makers was critical to expanding the game across the Federal Capital Territory.
“To promote any sport successfully, you must involve decision-makers so they appreciate its value and support its development,” he said.
He said the association deliberately targeted women because of the enormous opportunities available through sports participation.
“Women are underrepresented in sports despite available opportunities. About 80 to 90 per cent of sports scholarships for women in Nigeria remain untapped,” he said.
According to him, encouraging more women to embrace golf will improve participation, health, leadership and access to educational opportunities.
Enebong said the association was also prioritising grassroots development through a Golf STEM Academy for schools across the FCT.
“We want to integrate golf with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education because the game involves physics, calculations, and technical skills,” he said.
He explained that combining sports with education would make sponsorship more attractive and improve learning outcomes for children.
“Our vision is to raise a new generation of young golfers who excel both academically and on the course,” he added.
Enebong appealed to corporate organisations and development partners to support the initiative through sponsorship and youth development programmes.
The FCTA HoS, Nathan, said she accepted the invitation after learning more about the health and recreational benefits of golf.
“I have heard so much about golf. The chairman also encouraged me to give it a try because it is a game one can enjoy even at an older age,” she said.
She described her first training session as exciting and physically rewarding.
“I can already feel the impact around my ribs and legs. It shows the game keeps the body active and fit,” she said.
Nathan urged more women in the FCT to embrace golf, describing it as a sport suitable for everyone regardless of age or background.
“I encourage women to come out and participate. Golf is not only enjoyable but also promotes fitness, discipline and networking,” she said.
She commended the FCT Golf Association for changing public perception that golf was only for the wealthy.
“Many people see golf as an elite and expensive game, but the association has shown that it is a sport everyone can play,” she said.
Nathan appreciated Enebong’s commitment to grassroots development and women inclusion in the sport.
“I thank the chairman for his persistence. He invited me several times, even when I was a Permanent Secretary. Today, I am glad I finally honoured the invitation,” she said.
She pledged to support initiatives that would encourage more women and young people to participate in golf across the FCT.
“I will continue to advocate programmes that promote healthy lifestyles, youth development, and women’s participation through sports,” she said. (NAN)