NGF President Runsewe drives African golf innovation with flagship centre

Stakeholders in the golfing community say Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF) President, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, is redefining the identity of golf in Africa through deliberate innovation, strategic investment, and long-term planning.

Several golf enthusiasts who spoke to Golf Digest said Runsewe’s leadership has repositioned Nigeria as a continental reference point, driven largely by the Golf and Health Signature facility in Abuja — West Africa’s only indoor digital golf centre.

The facility is widely regarded as a game-changer, combining technology, health services, elite training, and youth development under one roof.

South Africa’s top golf instructor, Mpoh Kelosiwaag, described Runsewe as “a rare blessing” after touring the hi-tech complex.

“This facility rivals what we see globally. Outside South Africa, no African country has this level of digital golfing infrastructure,” Kelosiwaag said.

Also a member of the Botswana Professional Golf Association, Kelosiwaag noted that the centre represents Nigeria’s biggest golf breakthrough since the overseas training of local professionals in the 1970s.

“I remember Runsewe’s vision 16 years ago. I doubted it then. Seeing it today, I am humbled. He executed every promise,” he said.

According to him, the facility opens Nigerian golfers to electronic training systems that fast-track global competitiveness.

“With these tools and Nigeria’s raw talent, I see Nigerian golfers competing on world stages within five years,” he added, while urging Nigeria to diversify sports investment beyond football.

“One golfer can bring more Olympic honour than an entire football team. Golf deserves serious national attention,” Kelosiwaag said.

Members of the African Golf Network echoed similar sentiments. Philip Bobar said the Abuja facility had repositioned Nigeria as Africa’s emerging golf training destination.

“This centre changes perception. Africa now looks to Nigeria for elite golf preparation and innovation,” Bobar said.

Tijanni Aliyu praised Runsewe’s sustainable model, noting: “He didn’t just build a facility; he built a system that supports youth, professionals, and international partnerships.”

Ashante Biate described the project as transformational, stating: “This is not imitation. Nigeria is setting the pace, and others will follow.”

NGF Director of Marketing and Sponsorship, Mrs Oyinade Nathan-Marsh, said the federation was already leveraging the facility to attract corporate partnerships.

“We are in advanced talks with over 10 high-profile companies to expand golf development nationwide,” she said.

Runsewe described the Golf and Health Signature as “the pride of Africa residing in Abuja.”

“This facility was born out of necessity, vision, and belief that Nigeria can lead golf development in Africa,” he said, adding that the idea emerged after consultations following the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

“No child needs to buy clubs here. We provide everything. That is unique in Nigeria,” Runsewe said, while revealing plans to introduce the Tomorrow Golf League (TGL) concept to Africa.

“Nigeria will be the first African country to operate TGL. This will redefine golf on the continent,” he added.