The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Friday inaugurated the newly appointed Board of Trustees for the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) Golf Club. The board is to be led by Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, President of the Court of Appeal.
Other members appointed into the board are Olusegun Runsewe, Grace Ihonvbere, S.l. Ameh, Hamid Abbo, Victor Adedipe, Patrick Chidolue and Ikokwu. Dongban-Mensem replaces I.B.M. Haruna as chair of the board. Wike tasked the board with reviving the once prestigious club.
During the inauguration ceremony at the Minister’s official residence in Life Camp, the Minister emphasized the FCT Administration’s commitment to restoring order and efficiency to the prestigious club, which has recently experienced internal challenges. “Let me on behalf of the FCT Administration thank members of the Board of Trustees that was inaugurated this afternoon for responding to the call. There has been crisis in the IBB Gulf Course and as the owner of that Gulf Course, we cannot fold our hands and see things deteriorate,” stated Minister Wike.
He highlighted the necessity for the new board to conduct a transparent and credible Executive Committee election, amend the club’s constitution, and ensure its proper registration. The Minister also clarified the ownership status of the club, reiterating that it remains the property of the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
“You must know that we are still the owners of the Golf Course. It is not privatized. Some of you have held the view that because government gave you C of O, it means that the property belongs to you. No. government has set up agencies and universities. Government gives them C of O just to protect the property.
Wike also acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing Chairman of the Board of Trustees, assuring him of continued recognition as a patron of the club. The Minister expressed confidence in the new board, particularly under the leadership of Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, and pledged the FCT Administration’s support in resolving existing issues and enhancing the club’s facilities.
So, for us to have a Board of Trustees that could be led by the President of the Court of Appeal, you know that we are not joking at all. We will do everything we can to give the club the necessary support,” he affirmed. Let it come back to what it used to be,” he concluded, emphasizing the need to restore the IBB Golf Club’s international reputation.
In her remarks, the Chairman of the BoardorTrustees, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, appealed to members of the board to cooperate so that they can work as a body to uphold the confidence that has been reposed in them. She also appealed to the outgoing Chairman, General IBM Haruna and other members of the Board to stay with them and guide them. “Let’s work together as a team”, she said.
