News
Senator Lalong Honoured with Golf Kitty as Plateau Golfers Celebrate His 62nd Birthday
Senator Simon Bako Lalong, representing Plateau South Senatorial District and former Governor of Plateau State, was over the weekend honoured with a ceremonial golf kitty in celebration of his 62nd birthday. The event, held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Lamingo Golf Club in Jos, was organized by the Plateau chapter of the Inside Life Golf Kitty Group.
Dignitaries, golf enthusiasts, and well-wishers gathered to celebrate the senator, describing him as a statesman, a promoter of peace, and a passionate advocate for the development of golf in Plateau State.
Although Senator Lalong’s birthday fell on May 5, he explained that festivities were postponed in respect of the passing of his former deputy governor. “I had no plans to celebrate this year, but Inside Life planned a surprise to honour me. I couldn’t say no,” Lalong said during the celebration, expressing gratitude to the organisers and the golfing community.
The senator described the occasion as one of personal reflection and appreciation, especially in light of recent losses. He praised the unifying nature of golf and recounted memorable experiences from his time as governor and a travelling golfer. One such anecdote was a humorous exchange with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who once proposed a friendly match at the White House after discovering their mutual interest in the sport.
“Golf is a unique game that unites people—even rivals. You can play with someone you disagreed with and later share a drink together,” Lalong said. He urged Plateau residents to embrace peace, stating, “When there’s peace, we can build more golf courses and create a thriving sporting culture that benefits all.”
As part of his remarks, the senator proposed the establishment of a special tournament trophy to honour veteran golfer Dara Sam Gyang, the oldest golfer in attendance, acknowledging his longstanding contributions to the sport.
Major General Oluwaseun Olayinka Oshinowo (rtd), Coordinator of the Inside Life Golf Group, described Senator Lalong as “not just a leader, but a legend of the game in Plateau,” commending his dedication to promoting golf and fostering unity.
Similarly, Sailas Vem, Captain of the Lamingo Golf Club, praised the former governor for his unwavering support and infrastructural contributions. “We are seated under this roof today because of your generosity and commitment to the game,” he said, noting that Lalong remains a life patron and a role model for younger players.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Chief Latep Dabang, Chairman of the Plateau Amateur Golfers Association (PAGA); Engr. Murphy Dogun, patron of the Lamingo Golf Club; and Brigadier General Gakji Shipi (rtd), Vice Chairman of PAGA. They all applauded Senator Lalong’s impact in public service and sports development.
The celebration concluded with the presentation of trophies to outstanding performers during the kitty, as well as special recognitions for notable figures in the Plateau golfing community.
Senator Lalong, a lawyer by profession and advocate of sports diplomacy, served as Governor of Plateau State from 2015 to 2023 and was appointed Minister of Labour and Employment in 2023. He currently represents Plateau South in the Nigerian Senate.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Joe Igbokwe, has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu will not rig the 2027 presidential election to secure victory.
Igbokwe, who made this known in a post on his official Facebook page on Tuesday, said Tinubu, the APC presidential candidate, would win the election through goodwill.
He maintained that the President's good deeds would earn him the support of Nigerians at the polls.
He wrote, "PBAT will not win the 2027 elections by rigging. It is not in the cards. He will win the elections by good will.
"Every good thing you do has a reward some day. There is always a payday for good people God has used to touch lives. PBAT fits in."
Igbokwe's remarks come amid the controversy surrounding comments by some opposition figures warning against electoral manipulation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
DAILY POST recalls that a former Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, recently sparked controversy when he declared that anyone who attempts to rig the forthcoming election could die.
The comment triggered widespread reactions, with some members of the ruling APC calling for restraint and warning that such statements could incite violence.
Described as the youngest Igwe Plateau State has ever had, his coronation is being celebrated as a new beginning for the Igbo community in the state.
The new traditional leader has pledged to unite the Igbo community, promote peaceful coexistence with their host communities and contribute to the development of Plateau State.
Earlier after the election in his acceptance speech, Nwosu thanked members of the Igbo community for their overwhelming support and pledged to unite the various factions while promoting peace, harmony and cooperation.
He called on members to put their differences aside, stressing that no society could achieve meaningful development in an atmosphere of division and rancour.
Nwosu also reaffirmed the community’s commitment to contributing to Plateau State’s economic and commercial development, while expressing readiness to partner with Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration.
Similarly, the President-General of the Igbo Community Association in Plateau State, Chief Chidi Onah, congratulated Nwosu, describing his election as a demonstration of unity among Igbo-speaking people.
Onah called on members to rally behind the new traditional leader, noting that the community must speak with one voice and work together to advance its collective interests.
The ceremony attracted representatives of the six Igbo-speaking states, as well as representatives of the Council of Chiefs representing Igbo communities across Plateau State.
Other special guest present were the Chief of Bayelsa and Senior Special Adviser to the Plateau State Governor on South-South Affairs, Hon. High Chief Seigha Smooth Ebide, and Hon. Ikenna Mbanefo, former Special Adviser on Igbo Affairs to the immediate past Governor of Plateau State.
A NEW BEGINNING FOR NDIGBO IN PLATEAU STATE!
Congratulations to the new Oche Ndi Igbo IV!
-
News4 days agoNvidia weighs playing the cosigner for Nscale’s AI data center in West Virginia
-
News1 day ago
Plateau APC 2027 Campaign Council inaugurated today in Jos
-
Health3 days ago
Ebola: No new cases in Nigeria as two suspected cases in North-east test negative
-
News3 days ago
Plateau Igbo Community Ends Leadership Crisis, Elects Johnson Nwosu as Eze Igbo IV
