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.”

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.

Philip Joe Poroma has emerged the overall winner of the 2023 Independence Golf Tournament and drove away with a brand new car from PAN Nigeria Ltd for the first time in the history of the tournament. In the process, IBB Golf Club also set a new standard of excellence in the game of golf in Africa.

After three days of high profile and tension soaked golf, Big Joe Poroma played an impressive 5 under to outclass over 400 golfers from Nigeria and four other African countries- Cameroun, Ghana, Rwanda and Uganda.

The Independent Golf Tournament which celebrated Nigeria’s 63rd Anniversary in spectacular style was hailed by fans and players as raising the bar in Nigerian golf and creating a more enabling environment for the sport.

The IBB Golf club tournament had as major sponsors: PAN Nigeria, Access Bank, BUA Group Sterling Bank, HOPE PS Bank and several others.

Big Joe attributed his victory to “a cool head, perseverance, a fighting spirit and a gorgeous golf course that is just such a delight to play on.”

The new winner pointed out that: “I didn’t set my aim at winning the car. I was just out to have a great game of golf and support my Nigerian golf team mates in outshining the other countries. So, I just let my golf flow and I’m absolutely thrilled that I won the trophy along with a gleaming new car from PAN Nigeria.

The IBB Golf Club Tournament, known for its competitive spirit and exceptional playing conditions, attracted golfers from all corners of the region. Amidst fierce competition, Big Joe’s unwavering focus and unmatched talent shone through, making him the star of the event. His precision on the greens and remarkable consistency throughout the tournament were key factors that propelled him to victory.

“This victory is the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and a genuine love for the sport of golf,” Big Joe expressed with gratitude. “I am deeply honored to have won the first prize and to have my name associated with the IBB Golf Club’s rich history.”

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, the captain of the IBB Golf Club, Dr. Banjo Obaleye , said “we are determined to give golf its rightful place in Nigeria. Golf tourism to Nigeria is estimated to be over $16 billion. As a country, we haven’t even scratched the surface and at the IBB Golf Club, we want to be at the vanguard of changing the golf narrative.

The Captain of the IBB Golf Club and Chairman of the organizing committee, Mr Ibrahim Babayo noted that: “the rebranding and elevation of IBB Golf Club has only just begun. We are already and easily one of the best golf courses in Africa. Who says Nigeria can’t be one of the world’s top 30 golfing nations and attract billions of dollars in new foreign investment.

“The IBB Golf Club will continue to provide a platform for golfers to showcase their talents at the highest level. The club’s state-of-the-art facilities, meticulously maintained courses, and exceptional organizing committee have contributed to its reputation as a premier golfing destination.”

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 Independence golf tournament has once again highlighted the strategic importance of the golf sport as a unifier