Kasim Sumaina in Abuja
The Organising Committee of Golf for Peace tournament scheduled for November has paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, who is a peace advocate and the special guest of honour for the upcoming event at the IBB Golf Course and Country Club, in Abuja.
The team, led by the initiator of the Golf for Peace tournament, Kemi Olowoyo-Otegbade; Chairman, Organising Committee, Ambassador Enoch Duchi; Makosi Musambasi and others, hinted that in today’s strife-ridden world, the pursuit of peace has become more crucial than ever.
Olowoyo-Otegbade, while speaking said: “As an ardent advocate for peace, we had a meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff, aimed at discussing a unique initiative: a golf tournament-promoting peace.
“The encounter, highlighting the significance of fostering peaceful dialogues and the potential impact of unconventional approaches in achieving harmony. Setting the Stage for Peace.”
According to him, “The golf tournament, a platform for promoting peace, embodied the belief that peace transcends boundaries. By bringing together prominent military personnel, influential figures, and avid golf enthusiasts, the tournament is aimed at creating an environment that will foster dialogue, understanding and collaboration.
”The Chief of Defence Staff played a pivotal role in spearheading this initiative, recognising the power of sports to transcend political, religious and cultural barriers.”
Responding, the CDS noted that sporting events, such as golf tournaments have the unique ability to foster camaraderie and bridge divides.
He said: “Sports, by their very nature, promote fair competition, teamwork and respect for rules. These values, when embraced, can transcend societal divisions and unite individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of shared humanity.”
On promoting diplomacy and dialogue, General Musa emphasised that the golf tournament would not only encourage friendly competition but also provide a platform for diplomatic dialogue, adding: “The potential of the golf tournament is to build bridges of trust between military personnel and civilians. By engaging in friendly competition and conversations outside traditional military contexts, soldiers and civilians could interact as equals, fostering mutual respect and empathy.
“Such interactions have the power to dispel misconceptions, reduce animosity, and pave the way for peaceful collaborations in the future, promoting peaceful alternatives.”
The CDS stressed the importance of showcasing peaceful alternatives to conflict resolution.
“By organising a golf tournament promoting peace, the focus would shift from traditional militaristic approaches to peaceful endeavours that prioritise dialogue, cooperation and understanding.
“This demonstration of non-violent conflict resolution could inspire individuals, governments and organisations to explore similar initiatives, ultimately contributing to a more harmonious world,” he said.
