The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has reiterated the need for peace and unity across Nigeria, using the sport of golf as a tool to foster harmony and social cohesion.
Speaking during the Golf Fore Peace Tournament held on Saturday, June 29, 2025, at the Ikeja Golf Club in Lagos, General Musa, who was represented by retired Major General Bolaji Salami, described the game of golf as symbolic of peace, patience, and mutual respect—values the nation urgently needs.
Now in its second year, the Golf Fore Peace initiative is sponsored by the CDS Office as part of a broader non-kinetic strategy to advocate peace amid Nigeria’s security challenges.
“This tournament is designed not just to bring golfers together, but also to promote unity and raise awareness on the importance of peaceful coexistence,” General Musa stated. “Golf allows us to engage with nature—and nature abhors violence. In that way, golf becomes a natural platform for peace.”
He expressed hope that the participants would serve as ambassadors of peace within Lagos and surrounding communities after the event.
Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Abimbola Ajinibi, emphasized the unique partnership between the military and civilians through the platform. He noted that the initiative seeks to expand across the country.
“This is a platform where the military and civilians collaborate to promote peace through non-violent means,” Ajinibi said. “When you play golf, you interact, build friendships, and foster unity. It’s a game that disarms you socially and mentally.”
Coordinator of Golf Fore Peace, Mrs. Kemi Otegbade, highlighted the interpersonal and unifying power of the game. “In a typical flight of four players, strangers become friends in just four hours. That’s the power of golf—it connects hearts and promotes harmony,” she remarked.
Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Elizabeth Olotu, secretary of the Lagos State Golf Association, described the tournament as timely, especially considering the growing stress levels in society. She advocated for the promotion of golf as a tool for both mental and physical well-being.
The one-day event brought together golf enthusiasts from different sectors of society and reinforced the message that peace can be pursued through sport, dialogue, and collaboration.