Justice Lambo Akanbi (Rtd) has vowed to support the growth of golf in Kwara State and beyond.
Justice Akanbi (Rtd) stated this while teeing-off the Emirate Global Hotel Amateur Open Tournament 2024 today, Saturday May 11, 2024, at the Ilorin Golf Club.
Justice Akanbi, who doubles as the sponsor of the golf tournament said the idea was to bring the best golfers in Nigeria to Ilorin in order to develop the game.
He said Emirate Global Hotel and Suite will continue to support the growth of sports in Kwara State.
The former Commissioner For Information and Youth Development said, “The idea was to bring golfers around the country to Ilorin and encourage our young Captain, Jide Allen, who has been doing everything possible to make Ilorin Golf Club alive. My organisation is focused on supporting the growth of sports in Kwara State.
“Golf is not only for the elite but for everyone who has the passion. The game got its breakthrough when the former Head of State, General Badamosi Babaginda visited Kwara State and asked the former Governor of Kwara State, General Alwali Jauji Kazir the location of the golf course. I led the entourage to this location and the rest is history”.
About 146 golfers are in Ilorin for the Emirate Global Hotel Amateur Open Tournament 2024.
The golfers arrived on Friday May 10, 2024, for a pre-tournament cocktail event and to familiarise themselves with the course before the competition in various categories.
The tournament kicked off in earnest at 6.00am, after an early morning shower which the golfer says makes the weather pleasant for the game.
The tournament is taking place at the 18 hole Ilorin Golf Club.