Abuja – Vice President Namadi Sambo has commended former President Ibrahim Babangida for his efforts in ensuring peaceful co-existence and progress among the different ethno-religious groups in the country.
Sambo made the commendation at a dinner and presentation of trophies to winners of the maiden edition of the Ibrahim Babangida Golf Classic 2012, organised by the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.
The classic was part of activities to mark Babandgida's 71 years birthday.
The vice president stated that as a statesman, Nigerians would continue to be proud of him for his role in promoting social cohesion and prosperity in the country.
"As a statesman, we are proud to say that you have played and still playing your role to ensure peace, progress and prosperity in our country.
"We wish you many more years, many more years, many more years and many more years.
"Let me use this occasion to call on well-meaning individuals and corporate organisations to join hands with the club to ensure the realisation of the noble objectives of the club."
Sambo also lauded the IBB International Golf for organising the event, which he described as a Birthday Golf Tournament for the former president.
He, therefore, urged the leadership of the club to ensure that the club's decision of hosting the tournament annually was sustained.
"With its rich historical background, we salute the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, having at the back of our minds the general and his passion for the game.
"As we celebrate this maiden edition, we pray that the decision of hosting the event annually shall be sustained."
In his remarks, former president Babangida ongratulated officials of the IBB Golf Club for making the club one of the best Golf Clubs in Africa.
He noted with delight the maintenance culture being exhibited by the management of the club, since its inception.
"For the members who run this club, first of all, I want to congratulate you.
"When it was finished, my problem then was the maintenance of the club and I' m proud that you kept to this promise.
"All the former captains and the present captain and those involved in the administration of this club have really tried.
"I haven't seen a lot of clubs, but so far I can proudly say that this is one of the best in Africa."
Earlier, the Captain of the club, Mr Anthony Azogu, had narrated the history of the club where he described the former president as the brain behind its establishment, its prestigious site in Abuja.
He stated that the staging of the IBB Golf Classic was informed by the desire of the club to continue to appreciate the former president for his approval of the establishment of the club.
Vice President Namadi Sambo and former president Babangida, who were offered provisional membership of the IBB Golf Club Abuja, were also presented with Golf kits for their training as "Amateur Golfers".
The event also witnessed the release of 71 Sky Lanterns, symbolising the 71 years birthday of Babangida. (NAN)
Vanguard Nigeria