Golf for Peace organisers target more states

Organisers of the Golf for Peace tournament, Heartlink Events, have reiterated their commitment to taking the event across Nigeria in a bid to promote unity, charity and social impact through sports, The PUNCH reports.

At the just-concluded edition held at Ikoyi Club 1938, 11-year-old Toluwalashe Balogun emerged as the overall women’s winner, returning a net score of 66 over 18 holes, while Abiodun Adesina clinched the men’s title with a net score of 70.

Convener of the initiative, Kemi Olowoyo-Otegbade, said the tournament is designed not only as a sporting competition but also as a platform to foster dialogue, collaboration and peacebuilding across communities.

“Our purpose is to preach love through golf to every Nigerian and beyond,” she said. “Promoting peace is a form of charity. We are using sport as a unifying force.”

The event featured about 120 golfers from across the country, including participants from IBB International Golf and Country Club and Cross Creek Golf Club, as well as players from Lagos, Bayelsa, Ibadan and Abeokuta.

Looking ahead, Olowoyo-Otegbade said organisers are considering hosting future editions in Abeokuta, Ibadan and Uyo.

“We are ready to go to more clubs as long as we get support from state governments and golfers. The mission is to preach peace across the nation,” she said.

Chairman of the planning committee, Abimbola Ajinibi, stressed the importance of non-violent approaches to addressing societal challenges.

“Our approach to tackling insecurity and unrest does not involve force. We encourage dialogue, understanding and peaceful coexistence,” he said.

Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, also commended the initiative for promoting unity.

“Events like this remind us that beyond competition, sports remain a powerful tool for fostering connection, understanding and collective progress,” he said.