Sports
Dutse Gets Royal Golf Course
From all indications,
eco-tourism in Nigeria is bound to receive a remarkable boost with the establishment of the Royal Golf Course and Nature Park in Dutse, the capital of Jigawa State.
The golf course and nature park, which is located about three kilometres from Dutse, is the brainchild of the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Muhammadu Sunusi.
Tourism experts say that the nature park would boost efforts to promote ecotourism in the country and stem travels to famous ecotourism destinations in countries like South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania.
They describe nature park as a protected area of importance for wildlife, flora, fauna or features of geological or other special interest, which is reserved and managed for conservation, while providing special opportunities for sightseeing, study or research.
As regards the Royal Golf Course and Nature Park in Dutse, Sunusi said that that it was established as part of his designed efforts to develop Jigawa State and boost the country’s tourism potential.
Observers describe the emir’s decision to set up the golf course and nature park as very pragmatic, as tourists from all over the country now come to the park, either to play golf or have a good time.
Even people from countries like Niger Republic, Mali, Chad, Cameroon, Benin Republic and Ghana now visit the park for vacation, they add.
Sunusi said that the Royal Golf Course and Nature Park is a natural environment which consists of a golf course, a nature park and an amusement garden.
He explained that the nature park is home to a variety of wildlife and aquaculture.
“The wild animals in the park include spring duck, deer, camel, antelope and ostrich, while the aquatic creatures include crocodile and different species of fish, among others,’’ he adds.
Sunusi also said that the golf course has a network of roads which traverse the entire area.
The emir concedes that he once had some problems in getting adequate water to make the golf course to remain lush all year round, adding that this compelled him to construct earth dams around the course.
“The idea here is simple; if the dams could trap and harvest rainwater at least twice a year, there would be enough water to water the course for a whole year,’’ he says, adding: “And the arrangement is working quite fine.’’
The emir says that 42 earth dams were constructed in the entire area to provide water for the animals and the vegetation throughout the year.
He says that eight boreholes were also constructed in the area to provide additional water for the flora and fauna.
He says that over 60,000 species of trees were planted in the golf course and nature park, which covers a total area of 120 hectares of land, fully fenced.
On the golf course, Sunusi said that it has 18 holes — the international standard — with “putting greens’’ (luxuriant green carpet-grass) planted on it.
He disclosed that plans are underway to construct additional nine holes to complement the existing 18 holes of the golf course, adding that the extra holes would make it one of the biggest golf courses in the world.
The emir says that the golf course and nature park has 22 permanent workers and 40 casual workers working in various departments.
He expatiates that the park also has a standard club house, with reception, cafeteria and changing rooms as well as a banquet hall.
Sunusi, however, says that there plans to build a first-class hotel and a theme park for tourists in the park.
He also said that plans are underway to establish a Golf Academy to train young people who are aspiring to become professional golfers.
He, nonetheless, solicits the collaboration of the Nigerian Tourism Development Commission (NTDC) and other stakeholders in efforts to boost the tourism potential of the area and attract investors.
Sunusi explained that Jigawa State is endowed with a lot of tourism resources that have yet to tapped, adding that the favorable weather conditions of the state will also aid efforts to transform the state into a good tourist destination.
All the same, analysts underscore the need for all stakeholders in the tourism sector to encourage all innovative plans to develop the vast tourism resources of the country.
They also emphasise that pragmatic efforts should be made to specifically encourage investors like the Emir of Dutse, who are striving to develop the ecotourism sub-sector of the country’s tourism industry.
Ekiti State Government has honoured its contingents for their outstanding performances at the recently concluded National Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Games held in Abuja.
The state’s contingents participated in six events, securing first place in Essay Writing, second in Debate, Spelling Bee and Girls’ Basketball, third in Boys’ Basketball, fourth in Digital Literacy and Painting, fifth in Environmental and Entrepreneurial activities.
One of the standout moments of the event was the performance of Eniola Awelewa, who excelled in the painting competition despite his physical disability.
Speaking with journalists in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State AGILE Project Coordinator, Yewande Adesua, described Eniola’s artwork, titled “It Takes a Village”, as a raw, honest and profound depiction of community and belonging.
She revealed that her painting attracted national attention and earned special recognition from Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who requested that the piece be displayed in her office.
Adesua noted that Eniola’s excellence underscores Ekiti’s commitment to inclusive education, which has earned the state national recognition, emphasizing that “disability is not an inability.”
She also commended Deborah Bello for her exceptional performance in the Essay Writing category, stating that her brilliance and resilience have once again brought honour to the state.
Ekiti State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Olabimpe Aderiye, congratulated the contingents, noting that their resilience and determination has not only brought them personal pride but also elevated the entire state.
Dr. Aderiye, represented by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Michael Omolayo, affirmed government’s commitment to not only infrastructural development but also intellectual growth and talent promotion.
He encouraged the students to continue to be exemplary ambassadors of Ekiti State and a source of inspiration to their peers.
In her remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Adetoun Agboola, applauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his investment in modern facilities for special schools, which according to her has empowered students with disabilities to perform beyond expectations.
Agboola, represented by the Senior Special Assistant on Special Education and Social Inclusion in the Governor’s Office, Stephen Abimbola, urged parents of children with disabilities to enrol them in the state’s special facilities, where they can receive proper support and unlock their potential.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of a brand-new wheelchair to Eniola Awelewa to aid his mobility (courtesy of Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa and the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Aisha Garba) and the formal handing over of the national award to Deborah Bello.
The Umuahia-based side secured their spot in the CAF second tier club competition after finishing third in the 2024/25 Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) season their highest league placing in history and first opportunity to compete at the continental level.
To make sure they are adequately prepared when the competition kicks off later this year, both players and officials have commenced the first phase of training this week, a top official of the club who wants to remain anonymous said.
CAF is yet to release the preliminary draw, and Abia Warriors’ opponent is still unknown at this time.
Similarly, Rivers United Football Club of Port Harcourt have equally began preparations for the new season, marking a significant step towards building on their impressive performance in the 2024/2025 football season.
Under the guidance of Technical Manager Finidi George, the team held its first full training session on Monday at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium’s main bowl, with about 25 players in attendance.
The technical crew and support staff warmly welcomed the players back, charging them to mentally prepare for the challenges ahead.
Finidi George emphasized the importance of readiness, stating, “I welcome you back from the offseason break. Now it’s time to get ourselves ready for the task ahead of time. Welcome back.
”Rivers United’s second-place finish in the NPFL season has secured their spot in the prestigious CAF Champions League. As they gear up for the continental competition, the team is focused on fine-tuning their skills and strategies. Although the CAF draw is yet to be released, Rivers United is diligently preparing for their opponents, whoever they may be.
The first phase of training has commenced, involving both players and officials. With the Nigeria Premier Football League schedule set to kick off in August, Rivers United is poised to deliver an outstanding performance in both the CAF Champions League and the domestic league.
The Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA), led by its President Babajide Akeredolu, last Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, as part of preparations for Nigeria’s participation in the upcoming African American football tournaments in Egypt.
The NAFA delegation also held discussions with the NSC Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, during separate meetings held at the NSC office at the National Stadium, Abuja.
Speaking during the engagements, Akeredolu outlined Nigeria’s level of preparedness for the continental event, revealing that three teams would be representing the country: the Male National Team, Female National Team, and the U-13 Team.
He noted that Nigeria would be the only nation apart from the host country fielding multiple teams, a testament to the consistent development efforts invested in the sport since 2019.
Akeredolu emphasised that the country’s expanded representation reflects years of commitment to nurturing American football in Nigeria and showcases the nation’s growing prominence in the African football landscape.
He said, “We are here to inform you about the fact that three teams will be going to Egypt. Male national team, female national team and under-13 which is as a result of the work we have been doing since 2019 in collaboration with Nigeria School Sports Federation. This project has led to over 17,000 kids who have gone through the league initiative over the past five years.”
Akeredolu also assured the NSC management that NAFA is optimistic of victory, adding that the team is eyeing representing Africa in the World Games slated for the United States next year and ultimately clinching a spot at the Olympics.
“We are ready and one of the few countries that have established leagues dotted around. We have leagues in Abuja, Lagos and Ogun. We have built a pipeline for talent.
“We are hoping that we will be the country that will represent Africa in the World game, which is slated for next year in the United States”, he said
Akeredolu explained the significance of the tournament and the Nigerian team’s preparedness for the event in Egypt. He stated: Since flag football became an Olympic sport, there has been a significant effort to establish continental games to improve Africa’s representation on the global stage. The collaboration of our federations has resulted in this notable event.
“All African countries came together to interface with the global body, and now we have our first African tournament”.
The President and his team also unveiled the teams’ jerseys at a separate event, noting to the excitement of the DG and Chairman that they were produced locally. He gave a detailed explanation of the efforts that have been put into place to ensure that the teams emerge victorious.
Akeredolu said, “We came here to unveil our jersey to the DG and tell him that we are fielding three teams for the competition- the main team which has been in camp for two months now, a female team and an U13 team who have been supported by our partners Nigeria American Football Outreach, Browns Nigeria and the NFL respectively.
“We are quite optimistic and we believe that with the support and activities of many leagues in Nigeria, we have a lot of players who can give us a formidable National team
Responding, the NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, commended the NAFA leadership while wishing the team all the best in Egypt.
The Chairman charged the team to give their best and represent the country well by showcasing their talents in Flag Football.
On his part, the Director General of the NSC, Hon Bukola Olopade, charged the team to make the country proud and return with flying colours.
Hon. Olopade said, “On this trip to Egypt, I wish you guys well, and I am more encouraged that you guys are very confident that our women’s team will win Gold. I am also very fascinated that you are taking U13 to this tournament. It’s in line with the Commission’s renewed hope to also start building for the future.”
Meanwhile, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayo Olawande who doubles as the Chairman of the Flag Football Development Board in his goodwill message, urged the NAFA team to bring home the trophy.
He expressed his unshaken confidence in NAFA’s ability to break ground and make an impressive performance at the tournament.
On the NAFA team entourage were; the Vice President, Mr. Seye Obatolu and the coordinator of NAFA Gridiron Gems, Ms Nancy Damhindi.
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