- Adeleke Vows To Turn Ileogbo Golf Course into Tourist Centre
By John Dike, Osogbo
Former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has declared that only death can separate him from the game of golf, reaffirming his lifelong commitment to sports development in Nigeria.
He made the declaration while speaking at a special golf tournament organised in his honour to mark his 75th birthday, held at the LanreLeke Sports Academy/Ileogbo Golf Course.
The former governor also called for peace, unity and collective responsibility among Nigerians, stressing that all hands must be on deck for the progress of Osun State in particular and Nigeria at large.
“I am happy that I belong to the golf family, and only death can come between me and the game,” Oyinlola said. “As long as I am alive, I will continue to support and invest in sports development.”
He expressed deep appreciation to the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Peculiar Ultimate Concerns and founder of LanreLeke Sports Academy/Ileogbo Golf Course, Engr. Olanrewaju Abel Adeleke, for establishing the golf facility in Osun State, describing it as a major motivation for golfers and sports enthusiasts.
“I sincerely appreciate him for bringing this facility to our dear state. He has further motivated many golfers and sports lovers. I also thank him for celebrating my birthday with a golf tournament and for promising to sustain it. I am optimistic that this edifice will eventually produce world stars in the game of golf,” Oyinlola added.
Earlier in his remarks, Engr. Adeleke described Prince Oyinlola as a shining light and symbol of golf in Nigeria, lauding his immense contributions to sports development in Osun State and beyond.
He unveiled plans to transform the Ileogbo Golf Course into a world-class tourist destination, disclosing that the facility is guided by a 10-year development plan.
“Without sounding immodest, we already have one of the best golf courses around, as confirmed by professionals. Our plan is to improve it further by making it a tourist destination with the necessary facilities,” Adeleke said.
“If you were here last year and you are here today, you would notice remarkable improvements. Out of the 10-year development plan, four years’ work has been done, and we still have six years to significantly upgrade the facilities.”
He also called on well-meaning Nigerians and the organised private sector to invest more intentionally in sports development, noting its role in youth empowerment and tourism growth.
In their separate goodwill messages, former Osun State Deputy Governor, Mr Olugboyega Benedict Alabi; Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, Alhaji Khamis Olatunde Badmus; former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Adebayo Adeleke; immediate past Nigerian Ambassador to Mexico, Hon. Adejare Bello; the Olowu of Kuta, Oba Hameed Adekunle Makama; and veteran artiste, Alhaji Kazeem Adepoju (Baba Wande), described Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola as a beacon of hope and a paragon of inspiration to both the young and the old.
