FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has approved the renovation of the clubhouse at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

Wike gave the approval during a visit from the club’s Board of Trustees, led by President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem.

He announced that Julius Berger Plc would handle the renovation, as the firm originally constructed the facility in 1991.

Wike warned members of the club against any covert attempts to take over ownership, stressing that the property belongs to the government.

“This is government property. We must maintain it, especially since tourism is a key sector. We can’t allow it to degenerate,” he said.

Justice Dongban-Mensem had earlier appealed for government support to refurbish the facility, similar to the International Conference Centre’s recent upgrade.

Wike received a golf-themed gift from Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, a BOT member, who hailed the minister as “the most misunderstood Nigerian” and promised to deliver a special golf club to encourage him to take up the sport.