By Victor Okoye
Adebowale Oyelahan, Murtala Saleh, Lady Captain Nnenna Ahube and Abigail Ikuifisile emerged as top performers at Captain Michael Chidi (MC) Ukaegbu’s Inaugural Golf Tournament and 50th Birthday Championship held at the Bonny Island Golf Club (BIGC).
The two-day tournament was organised in honour of Ukaegbu’s inauguration as captain of the club and to celebrate his 50th birthday.
The event attracted more than 120 golfers, including club members and guests from across the country, who competed in various categories on the club’s golf course.
Oyelahan won the Men’s Division One title with a net score of 70, edging Wilson Sapele on countback, while Saleh claimed the Men’s Best Gross prize and finished third overall with a net score of 71.
Speaking after his victory, Oyelahan expressed delight at emerging overall winner of the championship.
“It is a special feeling to win a tournament organised to celebrate Captain MC Ukaegbu’s milestone birthday and inauguration as captain of the club,” he said.
He attributed his success to discipline, preparation and consistency throughout the round.
“The course was challenging, but I remained focused on every shot and stayed committed to my game plan. I am honoured to emerge the overall winner,” Oyelahan said.
He commended the organisers for staging a successful tournament and providing participants with a memorable experience.
“The tournament was well organised and highly competitive. Credit goes to the captain, sponsors and committee members for a fantastic event,” he said.
In the Men’s Division Two category, Oludare Oyegbami won with 73 nett, ahead of Temitayo Ogunjoju with 75 nett and Sonny Fombo with 77 nett.
Past BIGC Lady Captain, Nnenna Ahube, dominated the Ladies Division One category with 66 nett, finishing ahead of Kafayat Bamimore and Lucy Eyo.
Ahube also emerged Ladies Overall Best Gross winner with a score of 84 gross.
She expressed satisfaction with her performance and described the tournament as one of the club’s most successful events in recent times.
“I am delighted to emerge the Overall Best Gross winner among the ladies. It is always gratifying when hard work and dedication to the game yield positive results,” she said.
According to her, the large turnout reflected the goodwill and respect Ukaegbu enjoys within and outside the club.
“The attendance reflected the goodwill and respect he enjoys within and outside the club,” she said.
Ahube added that the event fostered friendship, healthy competition and celebration among golfers.
“The organisation was excellent, the atmosphere was friendly and the course was in great condition.
“It was truly a memorable event for everyone who participated,” she said.
Fortune LongJohn won the Ladies Division Two category with 33 nett, while Bessie Obei and the newly inaugurated BIGC Lady Captain, Marytina Osuchukwu, finished second and third respectively.
Stephen Oniavi won the Guest Men category with 74 nett, while Abigail Ikuifisile topped the Guest Ladies division with 65 nett.
In the technical prizes category, John Tobi Olorundare won the Men’s Nearest-to-the-Pin award, while Isua Archibong claimed the Straightest Drive prize.
Lucy Eyo won the Ladies Straightest Drive award, while Eric Tay-Brown and Chinyelu Komori emerged winners of the Longest Drive prizes.
Speaking on the success of the tournament, Osuchukwu commended Ukaegbu for providing purposeful leadership for the club.
“The tournament was a huge success and a fitting celebration of our captain’s inauguration and 50th birthday.
“The turnout, organisation and level of participation clearly demonstrated the unity and strength of our club,” she said.
She pledged the support of the ladies’ section toward the development of golf at the club.
“We will continue to work closely with the captain and the executive committee to promote golf, encourage more female participation and strengthen the bond among members,” Osuchukwu said.
In his remarks at the closing of the event, Ukaegbu expressed appreciation to members, guests, sponsors and the organising committee for contributing to the success of the event.
“I am overwhelmed by the support, goodwill and love shown to me by members, friends and guests who travelled from different parts of the country to celebrate with us,” he said.
Ukaegbu also thanked the club’s executive committee, tournament committee and volunteers for their dedication.
“This successful event was made possible by collective effort. I sincerely appreciate everyone who contributed in one way or another to make the tournament memorable,” he said.
He further acknowledged the support of sponsors and stakeholders for enhancing the championship.
“I remain grateful to our sponsors and partners whose generosity added value to this championship and enhanced the experience for participants,” he said.
The captain pledged to continue working towards the development of the club and the promotion of golf in Bonny Island and beyond.
“My administration will focus on unity, inclusiveness and the growth of the game. Together, we will take BIGC to greater heights,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lady Judith Finsky Ukaegbu, wife of the club captain, sponsored the gifts presented to winners during the tournament.
She also provided support packages and other gifts distributed during the celebration.
Participants commended the gesture, describing it as a thoughtful contribution to the success of the captain’s inaugural tournament and 50th birthday celebration. (NAN)(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne
