Simon Lalong urges investment in golf to drive tourism and hospitality growth in Nasarawa

# What happened Former Plateau State Governor and vice chairman of the Golfers Federation of Nigeria, Simon Lalong, used a golf kitty event in Lafia to call for increased investment in golf as a lever for tourism and hospitality development in Nasarawa State. The event was held as part of activities marking Nasarawa's 30th anniversary.

# Where and why it matters Lalong spoke at the Lafia Golf Course shortly after playing the course. He argued that having a high-quality golf course attracts visitors who spend on hotels, dining and local business, and that golf complements broader tourism drives. He specifically noted the Lafia site has the land, favourable topography and climate to host a championship 18-hole, par-72 course.

# Concrete problems Lalong identified

• Lack of maintenance equipment: the club does not have a tractor or mowers needed to shape fairways and maintain greens. Lalong pointed out tractors used in local farming and mining could be repurposed to service the course.
• Facility standards: the course needs upgrades to reach a "standard" championship level that would draw players and tourists.

# What stakeholders said

• Simon Lalong: He sponsored the golf kitty to mark the state anniversary and to strengthen relations between Nasarawa and Plateau states. He evaluated the course as enjoyable and buildable into a complete 18-hole championship layout.
• Nasarawa government (represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development): The state affirmed a commitment to grassroots sports development and said it would continue efforts to make Nasarawa a hub for sports and youth empowerment, with attention to golf.
• Lafia Golf Club captain and Nigeria Golf Federation representative: Both stressed that investment and partnerships—public and private—are needed to improve facilities and broaden participation.

# Practical steps suggested or implied

• Procure maintenance machinery: tractors and mowers to maintain fairways and greens are the immediate, tangible need identified by Lalong.
• Invest in a phased facility upgrade: convert the existing course into an 18-hole, par-72 championship standard using the available land and favourable topography.
• Form partnerships: encourage collaboration between state government, private investors and national golf bodies to fund construction, equipment and programming that brings players and tourists.

# Immediate and near-term implications If the state and partners address equipment and facility gaps, Lafia could host larger events, attract visiting golfers, and increase hotel and hospitality revenue. Improved facilities can also support grassroots programmes and local youth engagement in sport.

# Closing practical note Lalong framed his appeal as both celebratory—he sponsored the golf kitty for Nasarawa's 30th—and strategic: a functioning, well-maintained golf course is presented as a clear, actionable asset for tourism and hospitality that requires targeted investment in equipment, course construction and partnerships.