As preparations for the Kaduna State Economic and Invest Summit (KadInvest) continued over the weekend, golfers from across the country on Saturday participated in the Kadinvest 2016 Golf tournament held in Kaduna.

Wife of Kaduna State Governor, Hajiya Hadiza El-Rufai, performed the tee-off as golfers from the host club, Kaduna Golf Club, were joined by players from golf clubs in Abuja, Kano, Minna, Jaji and Port Harcourt.

Hajiya El-Rufai was supported at the opening of the tournament by senior government officials, including Dr. Manzo Maigari, Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry, Hadiza Bala-Usman, Chief of Staff to the Governor and Chris Umar, Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the Deputy Governor.

Welcoming the golfers, Executive Secretary of the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA), Gambo Hamza, explained the thrust of KadInvest as a platform to stimulate private sector investments in the many opportunities that Kaduna State offers.

Hamza said: “Securing and fast-tracking investments is the best way to create sustainable jobs, grow the economy and improve livelihoods for our people.”

Golfers like Senator Ben Birabi, His Royal Highness Alfred Diete-Spiff and General Zamani Lekwot participated in the tournament which was sponsored by Pinnacle Investments.

Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, who made a surprise appearance at the gala dinner for the tournament where trophies were presented, told the golfers that he had just returned to Kaduna from Paris where he met the management of Peugeot Citroen to further discuss the bid for Peugeot Automobile Nigeria.

According to the governor, “Jobs and prosperity are essential to restoring our Kaduna as a cosmopolitan city that welcomes all and provides opportunities to start and grow successful businesses.”

El-Rufai commended the sponsors and participants in the golf tournament for providing such a wonderful platform for unveiling KadInvest 2016.

•Photo shows Governor El-Rufai.

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