On Saturday, April 30, Prof Bola Afolabi will wrap up a colourful tenure as captain of IBB Golf and Country Club, Abuja. For the former captain of Shell Club, Port Harcourt, it has been quite an eventful year laced with a number of firsts amidst dire challenges. He shared some of his experiences on the saddle with ENO-ABASI SUNDAYON the fore, the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, looks like every other serious-minded private membership club that is out to, among other things, cater for the physical and social well being of its well-heeled members.To this end, leading this class of people, who constitute the crème-de-la-crème in their various calling remains a daunting task because it takes more than a man of average intelligence and strength, to shepherd a constellation of technocrats, envoys, military brasshats, captains of industries and politicians.Apart from the high-wire politics that is played in gatherings of this nature, one has to strive to add value to the lives of these men and women, who are already accomplished professionals in their right. Of course, this should be done irrespective of their creed or religion, race or colour, a development that makes the task, more herculean.This is the task that Prof. Bola Afolabi, a supply chain expert and Captain of the IBB Golf and Country Club, Abuja, would successfully accomplish at the end of this month, having taken over the reigns about a year ago.Without mincing words, Afolabi, would not only be remembered as a history maker, who spearheaded the receipt of the clubs Right of Occupancy from the federal government, nearly 25 years after the club was established, he would also walk tall for his ability to steer the ship aright and in the process attracting high level sponsorship, growing of quality membership, improving service delivery through staff development, development of a golf academy and driving range as well as initiate and implement a Limit of Authority Manual (LoAM) amongst others at the club.Having been a club captain way back in 1999, I know how a golf club is run and the expectation of members to quality initiatives. I became interested in running for the office of Captain of IBB Golf and Country Club, after considering several appeals by friends to put myself forward. Those familiar with my pedigree know that I posses strong personality to deliver on a promise.At a time, it became evident to me that the club was losing opportunities by not maximizing its inherent potentials. Since I had served at different times as a member of the Rules, Finance and Infrastructural sub-committees and as Vice-Captain during 2009/2010, these exposures made me realise the magnitude of improvements that needed to be established in the club and I became convinced that I posses the ability and capability to make changes if I had the opportunity to lead the club.By academic and professional calling, I am a strategist. The one-year in office as vice-captain afforded me the opportunity to study the club and identify the urgent actions required to reposition it to a higher pedestal. So, I articulated my observations, consulted widely and developed a blueprint which later became my campaign manifesto. I set out very stretched objectives for myself, and subjected each to the doctrine of SMART (specific, measureable, achievable, realistic and time bound) deliverables. They became my campaign slogan. Today, I am subjecting them to public analysis, to determine whether each of those objectives have been met. To the glory of God, as highlighted below in our Balance Score-card, we have exceeded our targets because we developed and completed new initiatives, which were not even on our original plan, he added.Apart from being the first captain at the club to host a seating president and his wife, Afolabi, alongside members of his Executive Committee, secured the Certificate of Occupancy for the club during his tenure.This is something that has eluded the club since its inception. This singular achievement has been described by members as the highest, unique and significant milestone, he stated, adding, that the gesture will enable the club develop its facilities beyond measure. We can now invite investors to assist in the repositioning of the club as a tourist destination.By His divine grace, we secured the Right of Occupancy for the club through the benevolent largess of Mr President, Goodluck Jonathan, the support of NNPC management and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) during the Nigeria@50 Independence Golf Tournament. This singular achievement has repositioned the club and heightened its asset portfolio to an all time enviable status.Within the period under review, the Afolabi-led executive initiated and implemented a Limit of Authority Manual (LoAM) and also developed a standard management process at the club, since it was the determination of the club that the facility be run as business.Said Afolabi, Pursuant of my electoral manifesto and in compliance with the Public Procurement Act 2007, the Executive Committee developed and approved a Limit of Authority Manual for deployment, with effect from 1st December 2010. The document also defines how the club conducts its contracting process, to engender transparency and prudency of expenditure. It is meant to instil business control mechanism into the management of the club, enhance discipline amongst its staff and officials. Members are given opportunity to register their business with the club so they can compete from any available business.The LoAM is a classic. Our objective is to run the club like a business, an ongoing concern with prudent checks and balances for efficient business control framework. Before our time, captains were inundated with everything approvals, no documented structured way of awarding contracts. The LoAM is to protect our key officers and empower our senior employees to deliver efficiently and effectively.Afolabis reforms did not just start and end in the club house, it also impacted on the course where two signature holes themed after world class benchmarks were developed. These major improvement initiatives were undertaken to primarily elevate the prestige of the course and classify it among the worlds best. A new putting green was also built for Hole 10, to be used during special professional tournaments.Also, a new tee-box was been built for Hole 18, located at a corner parallel to Hole 17. Both holes will enhance the playing challenge of the course. Contract Agreement and all necessary approvals have been completed for the development of free gym facility and construction of permanent viewing shed at tennis pavilion.The Executive Committee have developed and defended the budget, produced the drawings and secured all necessary approvals to enable construction a water fountain on Hole 10 pondThe club, under Afolabis watch, initiated the development of a 5-year development plan. Unfortunately, the exercise could not be completed during our short tenure of one year, he lamented adding that we also constantly attract high quality individuals and corporate bodies into the club. During my tenure as captain, paid up membership grew by 10 per cent, which is indicative of the popularity of the club to non-members.On the the IBB Leadership Lecture Series, which is another first, initiated by the captain, distinguished speakers are invited to deliver lectures on contemporary issues devoid of politics and religion. The first event dwelled on investment opportunities for Nigerian in the oil and gas sector while the second focused primarily on the topical issue of health and medical sciences.To date, four lectures have held and many more planned, all sponsored by NNPC. Participants enjoyed the sessions and have been yearning for more. We are indebted to the management of NNPC led by Mr. Olusegun Oniwon for identifying with this intellectual captivating events.In the area of competition, high level sponsorship and partnerships, Afolabi said, We are the first committee to visit and host three clubs in one single match play, and By our contacts and goodwill, we attracted quality sponsorship from corporate bodies and individuals, including but not limited to Shell, Total, CBN, St Patricks Day, Dantata & Sawoe Mrs Ojerindes Memorial, Citec Classics, CMCL Open, IBM@70, Glarmorgan Tour, Wales, , Ladies Open, JK Gadzama Classics, All Africa Women Challenge, Nigeria@50 and Julius Berger. We also hosted three clubs from Port Harcourt in addition to visiting them in one weekend as well addition to visiting other clubs. We also hosted the All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), a high profile tourney for young women, with 16 African countries contesting.Only recently also, the South African PGA and top officials of the Sunshine Tour were at the club to inspect and determine its suitability for some event, which they are partnering Sahara Golf Tour.This development, he said, will avail many Nigerian professionals the opportunity to participate in this prestigious African tour event and place Nigeria on the global golfing map. The week beginning 26 to 30 September 2011 has been chosen for the maiden event.Recently also, the South African PGA and top officials of the Sunshine Tour were at the club to inspect and determine its suitability for some event, which they are partnering Sahara Golf Tour.This development, he said, will avail Nigerian professionals the opportunity to participate in this prestigious African tour event and place Nigeria on the global golfing map. The week beginning 26 to 30 September, 2011 has been chosen for the maiden event.Conscious of the role of youths in extending the frontiers of the game, he said, I initiated a relationship, sought and obtained assistance from The Royal and Ancient Society in Scotland, to help develop youth training and development in our club. R and A supported us by providing two coaches who trained our professionals and senior amateurs for one week. In addition, R and A donated 30 junior golf sets and rule books to the club, to enable quick take-off of our youth academy program.In association with International Management Group (IMG) Consulting of Ibom Golf Club, we have completed arrangement with the United States Professional Golfers Association (US PGA) to conduct a Common Handicapping Slope Index between IBB Club, Ibom Golf Club, Ikeja Golf Club and Ikoyi Club 1938.The objective is to permit a common framework within which members of the four clubs will operate a common system that will determine slope rating for among the four clubs. During their two-day visit, they will also organise a Rules Seminar for the benefit of IBB Club members, Afolabi submitted.Even though he insists, I have no regret at all(because) we did our best, achieved great results and have repositioned the club to a higher pedestal, he, however, added that, Nothing good comes without challenges. As an executive committee we had a couple of challenges but are thankful to God, whom by himself surrmount the distractions. IBB Club is a mini Nigeria, infact, having lead the club I am sure one is sufficiently capable to lead Nigeria. The many high profile professional membership coupled with successful business moguls, whose origin permeate across the geo-political zones of Nigeria means that you as their leader, have to exhibit the full ingredient of qualitative leadership.You must demonstrate high capacity to listen, slow to react, communicate, engage, consult and be firm when you have to decide on an issue. The terrain is very complex. Our biggest challenge was communication, where certain members held a particular view due to insufficient information. As the holy book says, my people perish for lack of knowledge. Above all, it has been a worthwhile experience.
Click here to read full news..
