By Abubakar Yunusa
Members of the Bridges Golfing Group have called for peace across the country as they intensified support for vulnerable Nigerians through a food bank initiative in Abuja.
The call was made during the group’s second COTA Golf Kitty, which attracted golfers, business leaders and partners from different parts of the country.
Founder of the group, Ambassador Segun Aina, said the event was organised not only for recreation but also to promote unity, inclusion and humanitarian support.
He said the group had continued to use golf as a platform to bring together people from different walks of life.
Aina said, “Today’s event is another groundbreaking event, which is the second COTA Golf Kitty.
“We are doing a food bank in Bridges Initiative and today we are reaching out to more people through our distinguished partners.”
According to him, the initiative would provide relief materials and food support to not less than 100 persons in various communities.
He noted that participants came from different social classes, adding that the event reflected the unifying power of sports.
“We have people from the upper class, middle class and lower class. Everybody is being reached,” he added.
Project Team Lead of the Bridges Golfing Group, Mrs Matilda Fapohunda, described the programme as timely and impactful.
She said feeding the needy remained one of the most basic and important forms of community support.
Fapohunda said, “When people are able to eat and have complete meals in a day, that is when they can relate better with others. This initiative is a great one for us.”
She urged the organisers to sustain the programme.
Also speaking, the Principal of Olakunle & Partners, Dr Olakunle Daniel Ogunle, said AXA Mansard was delighted to sponsor the initiative because of its humanitarian value.
He said the company remained committed to supporting programmes that uplifted the underprivileged and internally displaced persons.
“Each time we notice such programmes, AXA Mansard loves to step in and be a proud sponsor,” he said.
One of the participants, Mr Ikechukwu Patrick, expressed joy after emerging winner in one of the categories.
“I didn’t come to win, I came to play. But I did my best and I won,” he said.
Retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Usman Gwari, who also featured at the event, said golf remained a strong tool for friendship, commerce and social development.
He called on the Federal Government to create a peaceful and secure environment for businesses and tourism to thrive.
“There is no growth without peace. There is no growth without security. There is no growth without an enabling environment,” Gwari said.
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