As part of its plan to mark the first year in office of the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State Douye Diri and that of the club.
The captain of the club and a permanent secretary in the Bayelsa State Civil Service Oyintonefie Ritchie Etonye, speaking to the media in Yenagoa on Thursday, said plans were afoot already to commence early preparation for the celebration of the club’s first anniversary.
Etonye said a meeting of the club’s executives would soon be convened to discuss the modalities for hosting the events of the maiden anniversary and he would meet the chairman, board of trustees of the Bayelsa State Golf Club, King Alfred Diete-Spiff as well as other notable patrons to get their nod and support for the celebration.
The executives, he said, would meet with governor Diri to seek his approval regarding the early setting up of an organising committee for the anniversary to outline the plans for the top-notch event.
According to him, it was important to plan ahead for the event, considering that 2020 had been “particularly challenging” because of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“For a young golf club like ours, we are particularly challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are doing all we can to keep the golf club alive. Our members have been very supportive, especially in ensuring that their dues are paid as and when due, even in this very difficult COVID-19 era.
“We are also not relenting in our membership drive. Understandably, due to COVID – 19, there is a lull in our activities, but we are determined to keep pushing and following through with our plans to develop the club. That’s why we have already started early by putting machinery in place to mark our one year anniversary in a post COVID-19 season.”
Etonye, who unanimously elected club captain, expressed optimism that the anniversary’s organising committee would be announced soon by Diri after which details of the programmes to mark the big event will be unveiled.
He, however, put the success of the golf club down to team work.
“If anything, the real credit must be given to Governor Douye Diri for ensuring that the golf course remains active and functional.”
Located in a prime part of the New Yenagoa City, the golf course has the potential to attract tourists to the state as it boasts some of the finest appurtenances available in standard golf clubs in other parts of the world.
The Bayelsa Golf Course has its irrigation system fully computerised with 22 kilometres of drainage pipe and 17 kilometres of wiring between the sprinklers, among other components.
