National Security: Sen. Neda Imasuen Partners Nigerian Army, Tees Off 'Golf Fore Peace Edo 2025'

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By Chief Correspondent

Last week, Senator Neda Imasuen and General C.G. Musa GFR, Chief of Defence Staff tool bold steps to promote national peace and harmony in Edo State and Nigeria, when the Benin Golf Club hosted this year’s ‘Golf Fore Peace’ Festival, which held on June 7, 2025 at the Benin Golf Club.

At the event, Senator Imasuen, Chairman Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, was invested as ‘Peace Ambassador’ by the Chief of Defence Staff for his contributions to National Unity and Peace.

The competition had in attendance, the Chief of Defence Staff and Senator Imasuen who took turn to perform the ceremonial tee off for the tournament. His Excellency, Comrade Philip Shaibu, immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo State and Director General, National Sports Institute (NSI) was also there as a avid golfer to tee off.

The tournament featured peace roundtables and cocktail evenings where Peace Ambassadors were appointed by the Chief of Defence Staff, General C.G. Musa along with Senator Imasuen.

Addressing the audience drawn from the military, private sector, politicians and youths, Senator Imasuen noted that, the Chief of Defence Staff was “A Beacon of Hope Amidst Turmoil.”

He said: “In recent times, the wave of violence and unrest in parts of our country has deeply saddened us all.

“These events threaten not only lives and livelihoods but also the very spirit that defines our nation—our unity in diversity.

“Nigeria, long regarded as a peace-loving country, woven together by a rich tapestry of languages, cultures, and traditions, now finds that reputation under pressure.”

He charged that, peace and security was a collective responsibility. “Yet, in these challenging moments, we are reminded that peace is not just a dream—it is a collective responsibility. It is a path we must walk together, hand in hand, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or social status.

“This is where the power of sport, and particularly the game of golf, comes into play. ‘Golf Fore Peace’ is more than just a tournament; it is a movement.

“A movement that harnesses the grace, discipline, and camaraderie of golf to inspire dialogue, foster understanding, and bridge divides. On the fairways and greens, players from all walks of life come together—not as adversaries, but as partners in peace.

“Golf teaches patience, respect, and strategic thinking — values that mirror the qualities needed to build and sustain peaceful societies. By bringing communities together in a shared spirit of sportsmanship, we can model the unity we wish toee across our nation.

“Let us rally behind this laudable initiative. Let us pick up our clubs not just to play, but to proclaim that peace is possible, and that Nigeria’s future is brighter when we stand as one.

“Together, let’s swing for harmony. Together, let’s drive for unity. Together, let’s play for peace—Golf Fore Peace – Uniting Nigeria, One Swing at a Time.

According to the initiator & lead coordinator of the golf tournament, Kemi Olowoyo-Otegbade, “The Chief of Defence Staff, who heads the nation’s security forces supports the use of both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to address security challenges.

“Nigeria needs unity, dialogue, and reconciliation. As a nation rich in culture and diversity spanning six geopolitical zones, we recognise that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the active pursuit of harmony.”