By Sarah NEGEDU
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Friday inaugurated a new Board of Trustees, BoT, for the IBB International Golf and Country Club, amid efforts to resolve the leadership crisis that had threatened the stability of the Abuja-based facility.
He charged the new leadership of the board to restore order and reposition the club ….
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Wike stressed that the IBB Golf Club remains a public asset, despite the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, C-of-O, warning that any misconception of privatization must be immediately dispelled.
“I want to make it very clear that the IBB Golf Club is not a private property. Even if we gave you a C-of-O, that does not confer ownership. The land remains government property. I can revoke it any day. We are only allowing it to be managed by the Board of Trustees and the Executive Committee. We have set up the board to ensure that the club remains a symbol of national pride and is administered transparently and effectively.”
The Minister warned against any misinterpretation of land documents and cautioned that public property must not be converted into private ownership under any guise.
“Just like we give C-of-Os to universities and agencies under the FCT, that doesn’t mean they are privately owned. The same applies here. This club is not for any individual or group—it is a national asset that must be managed responsibly,” Wike said.
The inauguration follows months of internal conflict within the club, which at one point required the involvement of security agencies to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
The newly inaugurated board is chaired by the President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, whom the minister described as “a leader of high integrity” capable of steering the club out of its challenges.
“We did not take this decision lightly,” Wike added. “We consulted widely. The security agencies did background checks. We wanted people with reputation, people who understand service and leadership.”
He charged the new board to immediately organize executive elections and oversee the amendment and registration of the club’s constitution.
“I expect the new board to hit the ground running. Conduct a free and fair EXCO election, amend the constitution, and ensure compliance with the rules. If you need our support, the government is ready—but you must also show commitment,” he said.
In her response, the new BoT Chairperson, Hon. Justice Dongban-Mensem, expressed appreciation to the FCT Minister for intervening at a critical time.
“This club has stood as a symbol of unity, excellence, and international repute. We cannot afford to let it fall into disrepair,” she said. “We will do our best to restore order, foster cooperation, and uphold the standards this club is known for.”
She stressed that the board would work with all stakeholders to calm frayed nerves and avoid further public disputes.
“We are a family, and family members don’t wash their dirty linen in public. We must bring the spirit of unity back to this club,” she said. “Golfing should promote not just recreation, but economic growth, tourism, and global engagement.”
She also highlighted the natural beauty of the club’s grounds and its potential to attract international interest.
“We host not only golfers, but nature lovers. The environment here is unique. We are environmentally conscious and respectful of our ecosystem. We protect wildlife—even reptiles—we don’t harm them. We step aside and let them pass,” she said.
Pledging accountability and transparency, the BoT chairperson said the board would identify priority needs and engage with government as necessary, while ensuring prudent management of resources.
“I know His Excellency is a man of action. When he promises support, he delivers. We will do our part, and when we need help, we know he will be there.”
