Senator Simon Bako Lalong, representing Plateau South Senatorial District and former Governor of Plateau State, was honored over the weekend with a ceremonial golf kitty to mark his 62nd birthday. The event, held at the Lamingo Golf Club in Jos on Saturday, July 12, 2025, was organized by the Plateau chapter of the Inside Life Golf Kitty Group and attended by dignitaries, golf enthusiasts, and well-wishers who described the Senator as a symbol of peace and a passionate promoter of golf development in the state.
Though Senator Lalong’s actual birthday fell on May 5, he revealed that celebrations were postponed due to the passing of his former deputy governor. Nevertheless, the Inside Life Golf community decided to honor him with a belated celebration to recognize both his birthday and his contributions to sports and unity in Plateau.
Speaking at the event, Senator Lalong expressed deep appreciation for the gesture, stating that the celebration offered a moment of reflection, especially in light of recent personal losses. “I had no plans to celebrate this year, but Inside Life planned a surprise to honor me. I couldn’t say no,” he said.
He praised the role of golf in fostering unity, recounting personal anecdotes from his time as governor and his golfing experiences both within Nigeria and abroad. He humorously recalled an encounter with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who recognized him as a fellow golfer and once suggested organizing a friendly match at the White House.
“Golf is a unique game that unites people, even rivals. You can play with someone you disagreed with and later share a drink together,” Lalong said, urging stakeholders and residents to embrace peace on the Plateau. “When there’s peace, we can build more golf courses and create a thriving sporting culture that benefits all.”
The senator also proposed the establishment of a special trophy to be awarded during major tournaments, named in honor of veteran Plateau golfer, Dara Sam Gyang, who was also recognized during the event as the oldest golfer in attendance.
Inside Life Golf Group Coordinator, Major General Oluwaseun Olayinka Oshinowo (rtd), while giving his remarks, lauded Senator Lalong’s unwavering support for the game and for the group. “You are not just a leader but a legend of the game in Plateau,” he said. “We wish you long life, good health, and continued impact.”
Also speaking, Captain of the Lamingo Golf Club, Sailas Vem, appreciated the former governor’s contributions to the club’s infrastructure and growth. “We are seated under this roof today because of your generosity and commitment to the game,” he said, adding that Lalong remains a life patron and an inspiration to younger players.
Other dignitaries at the celebration included Chief Latep Dabang, Chairman of the Plateau Amateur Golfers Association (PAGA), Engr. Murphy Dogun, patron of the Lamingo Golf Club, and Brigadier General Gakji Shipi (rtd), Vice Chairman of PAGA. They all took turns to commend Senator Lalong’s enduring legacy in public service and in the sporting community.
The event concluded with the presentation of trophies to outstanding performers during the kitty, with special recognition given to notable figures in the Plateau golfing circuit.
Senator Lalong, a lawyer by profession and long-time advocate of sports diplomacy, served as Plateau State Governor from 2015 to 2023, later appointed Minister of Labour and Employment in 2023. Since 2023, he has been representing Plateau South in the Nigerian Senate.
