As part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary Golf Tournament, two golf enthusiasts have donated major facilities to the Tukur Yusuf Buratai International Golf Resort and Country Club (TYB-IGRCC) in Abuja.
The donations include a Back Nine Starter Shed, a Halfway House, a golf bay, and a modern practice range. The facilities were commissioned by the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya (rtd).
Brig-Gen. Mustapha Onoyiveta (rtd), a former Aide-de-Camp to late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua, donated the Back Nine Starter Shed, which he said was designed to ease tournament operations and improve player experience.
“This initiative is about giving back to the game and the community. The back-nine starter streamlines tee-off logistics, improves player flow, and provides a rest point. Golf is still developing in Nigeria, and this is one way to support its growth,” Onoyiveta said.
Businessman Chief Samuel Ayanmele, popularly known as Onwa Ngwa, donated the Halfway House to provide shelter and comfort for players during adverse weather.
“The first time I played here, I noticed golfers had no shelter when it rained. That inspired me to build a halfway house for rest and refreshments. I have done similar projects at Karishi and the Naval Golf Course. Golf builds character and teaches discipline,” Ayanmele said.
Commissioning the projects, Yahaya praised the donors for their contributions to golf development in Nigeria and urged more public-private partnerships to grow the sport.
“These donations are timely and commendable. They reflect service to both the military and the game of golf, which promotes discipline and wellness,” he said.
“As we mark Nigeria at 65, this shows what collaboration can achieve. Golf aligns with military values, strategy, patience, and endurance, and I encourage more participation from officers and civilians.”
