Last week, Senator Neda Imasuen and General C.G. Musa
GFR, Chief of Defence Staff tool bold steps to promote national peace and
harmony in Edo State and Nigeria, when the Benin Golf Club hosted this year’s
‘Golf Fore Peace’ Festival, which held on June 7, 2025 at the Benin Golf Club.
At the event, Senator Imasuen, Chairman Senate
Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, was invested as ‘Peace
Ambassador’ by the Chief of Defence Staff for his contributions to National
Unity and Peace.
The competition had in attendance, the Chief of
Defence Staff and Senator Imasuen who took turn to perform the ceremonial tee
off for the tournament. His Excellency, Comrade Philip Shaibu, immediate past
Deputy Governor of Edo State and Director General, National Sports Institute
(NSI) was also there as a avid golfer to tee off.
The tournament featured peace roundtables and cocktail
evenings where Peace Ambassadors were appointed by the Chief of Defence Staff,
General C.G. Musa along with Senator Imasuen.
Addressing the audience drawn from the military,
private sector, politicians and youths, Senator Imasuen noted that, the Chief
of Defence Staff was “A Beacon of Hope Amidst Turmoil.”
He said: “In recent times, the wave of violence and
unrest in parts of our country has deeply saddened us all.
“These events threaten not only lives and livelihoods
but also the very spirit that defines our nation—our unity in diversity.
“Nigeria, long regarded as a peace-loving country,
woven together by a rich tapestry of languages, cultures, and traditions, now
finds that reputation under pressure.”
He charged that, peace and security was a collective
responsibility. “Yet, in these challenging moments, we are reminded that peace
is not just a dream—it is a collective responsibility. It is a path we must
walk together, hand in hand, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or social
status.
“This is where the power of sport, and particularly
the game of golf, comes into play. ‘Golf Fore Peace’ is more than just a
tournament; it is a movement.
“A movement that harnesses the grace, discipline, and
camaraderie of golf to inspire dialogue, foster understanding, and bridge
divides. On the fairways and greens, players from all walks of life come
together—not as adversaries, but as partners in peace.
“Golf teaches patience, respect, and strategic
thinking — values that mirror the qualities needed to build and sustain
peaceful societies. By bringing communities together in a shared spirit of
sportsmanship, we can model the unity we wish toee across our nation.
“Let us rally behind this laudable initiative. Let us
pick up our clubs not just to play, but to proclaim that peace is possible, and
that Nigeria’s future is brighter when we stand as one.
“Together, let’s swing for harmony. Together, let’s
drive for unity. Together, let’s play for peace—Golf Fore Peace – Uniting
Nigeria, One Swing at a Time.
According to the initiator & lead coordinator of
the golf tournament, Kemi Olowoyo-Otegbade, “The Chief of Defence Staff, who
heads the nation’s security forces supports the use of both kinetic and
non-kinetic approaches to address security challenges.
“Nigeria needs unity, dialogue, and reconciliation. As
a nation rich in culture and diversity spanning six geopolitical zones, we
recognise that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the active
pursuit of harmony.”
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