Golf and Country Club, Africa’s most prestigious golf destination is taking the  golf in Nigeria to a higher level by rolling out the IBB Golf Classic, a new premium tournament.

In a show of commitment to promoting the sport of golf and fostering community engagement, the Executive Committee of the IBB Golf Club paid a special visit to General Ibrahim Babangida, former Nigerian President and Life Patron of the Club.

General Ibrahim Babangida applauded the superb management of IBB Golf Club, the relentless pursuit of golfing excellence and its demonstrable commitment to boosting Nigeria’s profile through golf.

During the visit, the Exco members pledged to host the prestigious Ibb Golf Tournament Classic, marking a significant step in the club’s efforts to elevate the profile of golf in the region.

The visit was led by the President of the Golf Club, Ibrahim Babayo, Vice Captain Dr. James Agbonhese, and the female Captain Dame Julie Donli.

The Exco members expressed their dedication to organizing the IBB Golf Classic, a world-class golf tournament that would foster community comradeship and attract participants and spectators from far and wide.

The Club Captain Ibrahim Babayo emphasized the club’s determination to showcase the talent and passion for golf within the region. He commended General Ibrahim Babangida for his visionary leadership, strategic thinking and nationalistic foresight in establishing the IBB Golf Club in 1987.

IBB International Golf and Country Club course is an 18-hole course covering about 101 Hectares (1,000,740m2) of land, located at the choice Aso drive area of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria.

Within the course is a driving range, putting green and practice bunkers with a handful of professional golfers and trainers at the service of the members.

The EXCO pledged to uphold the high standards of the Club and stated that: “At IBB International Golf and Country Club, we take pride in providing the luxury and ambiance deserving of our distinguished members. We are also determined to take the game of golf to the grassroots so the game is accessible to more Nigerians.”

General Ibrahim Babangida commended the IBB Golf Club for its proactive approach to promoting golf and expressed his support for the upcoming tournament. He emphasized the positive impact of such events on the local community, stating, “The IBB Golf Tournament Classic will not only elevate the status of the sport in our region but also contribute to the overall growth and development of our community.”

Ibrahim Babayo has been elected as the new Captain of the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja. This appointment comes at a pivotal time for the club, as it aims to elevate its status to a global level and make significant strides in the world of golf.

In his new role, Ibrahim Babayo has expressed his commitment to bringing the IBB Golf Club to a global level. He aims to position the prestigious club as a key player in the international golfing community, showcasing the talent and potential that Nigeria and Africa have to offer in the world of golf.

This vision aligns with the club’s ambition to put Nigeria and Africa on the global golfing map.

In his inaugural address, Captain Babayo pledged to create an unforgettable experience for partners and sponsors, “as we take Nigerian golf and IBB Golf Club to unprecedented levels. I trust believe that the game of golf can be used to write a new Nigerian story. And IBB Golf Club will be at the vanguard of this historic ascend. “

Captain Babayo also pledged to diversify the club’s income streams to both private and public sectors to improve infrastructure and service quality. “We recognize the need to diversify our revenue streams beyond membership fees to enhance the quality of our infrastructure, facilities and services,” he said.

Another item on the new Captain’s agenda, is enhancing hygiene standards and implementing stringent environmental regulations within the club’s premises.

He implored the support of all stakeholders in making the Club a truly global golf brand name He pledged “…to serve with integrity, diligence, and unwavering dedication. Together, let us chart a new course towards a prosperous future for our beloved IBB International Golf and Country Club.”

Captain Babayo brings a wealth of experience to his new role, holding degrees in Estate Management from Kaduna Polytechnic and Yaba College of Technology. He is a distinguished member of the Nigerian Institute of Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) and the International Facility Management Association (IFMA).

As the founder and CEO of Cosmopolitan Cleaners Limited and the Former Chairman, Premium Pension Ltd. Babayo has demonstrated his commitment to driving positive change.

Joining Captain Babayo are newly elected committee members: James Eromosele Agbonhese as Vice Captain, Dame Julie Donli OON as Lady Captain, Bolarin Aliyu-Faniyan as Honorary Secretary, Gabriel O. Aremu as Honorary Treasurer, and Dr. Olarewaju Phillips, Social and Welfare officer.

IBB Golf and Country Club, located in the heart of Nigeria, has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to promoting the country’s culture, heritage, and sporting excellence on the global stage.

The Club was founded in 1991 as an initiative of the Government of Nigeria (through the FCT Administration). It is a self-funding, members only entity, incorporated under the Companies and Allied Matters Act. The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the Grand Patron.

The IBB Golf Club remains dedicated to promoting the sport of golf and fostering an environment of camaraderie among its members. The Club has been a hub for golf enthusiasts since its inception and continues to set the benchmark for excellence in African golf

The 2023 IBB Golf Club event also featured a historic special golf exhibition by the Director General of National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and the President, Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe.

The special CNN campaign is designed to elevate the profile of the IBB Golf Club, showcase the world-class facilities it offers, and emphasize the importance of golf as a sport that transcends boundaries, and goes hand in hand with nature.

The CNN campaign will give a quick photo panorama of the IBB Golf Club, exploring the club’s history, world-class facilities, lush greens, breathtaking surrounding and the natural habitat which is also a home to various mammals and captivating crocodiles.

The Captain of the IBB Golf, Dr  Banjo Obaleye pointed out that: “The game of golf is growing in Nigeria. We have courses that can compete globally. Our fairways and greens are in impeccable shape and condition. You can come to Nigeria and do your business and also enjoy playing your golf here.

“We are also looking at the youth development and grassroots promotion, because golf is not just about elites. We are confident that maybe tomorrow, Nigerian can produce the next Tiger Woods.”

The Vice-Captain of the Club and Chairman of the Independence Cup Organizing Committee, Mr Ibrahim Babayo also emphasized that “we are taking this golf beyond just play the game. We are looking at how we can improve our social capital and at the same time, how we can improve tourism.

“The potential of Golf tourism is over $19 million. We are excited to be at the centre of history and rewriting the story of golf in Nigeria.

The CNN feature on the IBB Golf Club rounds up with a powerful tip by the Tournament champion and winner of the PAN Nigeria car, Joe Poromo: “You never know when it’s your day. So anytime you show up on the golf course, keep your head down and play against the course. Greatness could just be a shot away.”

In its continued efforts to take Nigerian golf to a new level, IBB Golf and Country Club Abuja has rolled out a special golf tactical campaign starting this November.

The promotional and educational campaign which will be the first of its kind is aimed at promoting golf, sportsmanship, the spirit of unity among enthusiasts and the potential of Nigeria emerging as a top golf nation.

This groundbreaking IBB Golf Club campaign, running from November-December on peak time evening spots will also specially highlight the 2023 Independence Golf Tournament.

This golf event set an all-time record in attendance, atmosphere, sponsorship, executive presence, community engagement, and the grand car prize from PAN Nigeria.

The high profile headline sponsors were PAN Nigeria, Access Bank, BUA Group, Glenfiddich, Sterling Bank, TAJ Bank and Hope PS Bank. Others were Landmark Africa, Waltersmith, Premium Pension, Stanbic IBTC, Golden Construction, MOUNA  MO and Interglobal.