NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Economy/Business

NMGS calls for AI, 3D tech in oil reservoir mgt

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By Martha Agas

The Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) has called for the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and 3D technology in oil reservoir management.

This call was made in a communiqué issued at the 60th Annual International Conference and Exhibition (AICE), themed Transformation of the Mineral, Energy, Water, and Construction Sectors through Innovations.

The communiqué, signed by NMGS President Prof. Akinade Olatunji, was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

NMGS emphasised the need for innovative solutions for reservoir monitoring, machine learning, and enhanced oil recovery methods based on geological knowledge.

The society stated, “Local innovative solutions such as imaging, high-resolution 3D, and time-lapse 4D for reservoir monitoring, machine learning, and enhanced oil recovery methods using geological knowledge should be adopted.”

The society pointed out that the under-utilisation of indigenous technical innovations, in spite of meeting global standards, had led to a continuous dependence on foreign expertise.

This reliance, it noted, had hindered the survival of local companies and their ability to compete globally.

NMGS identified inadequate geological data as a key challenge in managing Nigeria’s mineral resources, urging for collaboration among government, academia, and industry to consolidate geological data into a single, regularly updated repository.

It also called attention to the lack of collaboration between relevant stakeholders, which has created a technical knowledge gap, urging for increased partnerships between local and international development bodies.

Additionally, the society recommended the establishment of engineering geological laboratories to address the lack of geoscientific applications in the construction sector, which had led to structural failures and loss of lives.

NMGS further highlighted the inadequate infrastructure and high operational costs in the minerals sector, which had led to expensive alternative energy sourcing and reduced profit margins.

It recommended improving power supply and adding local value to minerals through infrastructural development.

The society also stressed the importance of policy sustainability in the mining sector, noting that inconsistent policies and abandoned initiatives had created uncertainty, weakened investor confidence, and stagnated growth.

It called for the continuous implementation of policies to ensure effective mining practices.

In addressing the insecurity affecting the mineral sector, NMGS emphasised the need for more efforts to resolve socio-economic conflicts that fuelled illegal mining, banditry, and other security challenges in mining regions.

It noted that insecurity had led to disruptions in mining activities, investor flight, revenue loss, and fatalities.

NAN reports that the conference, which ran from February 16 to 21, featured sub-themes including resource management and value addition in the minerals and mining sector, and maximising the benefits of Nigeria’s water resources.

Other sub-themes included managing emerging realities in the Nigerian oil and gas sector, optimising geoscience solutions in construction, and re-aligning geoscience and mining education with global trends.

NAN also reports that more than 1,000 participants attended, including students who competed in an Inter-varsity Geoscience Challenge Bowl, with the University of Jos winning the star prize of N1 million. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Economy/Business

Foreign mining activities, major threat to Africa’s prosperity- USIP official

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By Diana Omueza

The United States Institute for Peace (USIP) says foreign mineral mining in Africa is a major threat to prosperity in the region.

Dr Chris Kwaja, the Country Director of the institute, said this while addressing journalists on Friday in Abuja.

Kwaja spoke on the sidelines of the Early Career Scholars Conference with the theme, “USIP Africa -China Project -Early Career Scholars Project”, in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference seeks to study China’s involvement in Africa affairs, with specific reference to economic, peace, security and diplomacy.

Kwaja said that the black market activities of foreign companies in Africa, particularly in the area of critical mineral, were serious security threats to the prosperity of African countries.

This, he said, was against the backdrop of the fact that as foreign companies used artisanal miners to extract critical minerals in Africa, they allegedly did so outside governmental regulatory policies.

“There is the fact that foreign companies are expanding their interest and influence in Africa as a counter to western interests.

“While these companies are visible in the mining sector, the environmental and health impact of their activities have not been properly documented.

“This is a responsibility that policy and academic actors should take seriously.

“As these companies get involved in the extraction of critical minerals, they do so with little or no regard for rules and regulations as they exist in the African economies,” he said.

Kwaja said that abuse and non-adherence to environmental protection rules had allegedly become a defining feature of foreign involvement in Africa’s critical mineral sector, which should be of concern to African leaders.­

He called for regulations and effective monitoring as well as more stringent laws to guide mining activities, especially legal frame works to protect host communities. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Vivian Ihechu

Oil & Gas

2.06m bpd crude oil target in 2025 achievable, says Lokpobiri

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By Kadiri Abdulrahman

Nigeria’s target of 2.06million bpd crude oil production target in 2025, is achievable, the Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobori has said.

Lokpobori said this on Thursday night in Abuja at the Nigeria Petroleum Industry Leadership Discourse, with theme: “Nigeria’s Oil Production Growth Roadmap Acceleration Imperatives’’ organised by Heirs Energies Limited.

”It is true that the 2025 budget is predicated on 2.06 million barrels a day, and I want to assure Nigerians that this is doable.

”Nigeria has been doing 1.5 million barrels of production per day,” he said, adding that the industry has been able to make additional 250,000 barrels incrementally.

“For now, we are operating at about 1.75 million barrels per day,’’ he said.

The minister said for over a decade, there has been no investment in the sector, adding that things are now changing for the better.

“We have changed the perception about Nigeria. So, investments are coming in.

“We want to improve the security situation in the Niger Delta. And I want to use the opportunity to thank our military.

“ Nigerian military, the paramilitary, and civilian contractors. The combined effort of these stakeholders have led to less infractions in our pipelines, less thefts, less pipeline vandalisation,’’ he said.

Lokpobori said the Federal Government has also carried out some reforms in the sector.

He said President Bula Tinubu has provided strategic leadership for the oil and gas industry.

“We have taken care of the issue of bureaucracy. Before now, you must know the minister or somebody who knows the minister before your documents are signed.

”Right now, you do not need to know me before your documents are signed.

“Once I get the recommendation from NUPRC, statutorily, no documents stays on my table for more than 24 hours,’’ he said.

Lokpobiri said the government has also addressed the issue of inefficiency by deploying technology.

“Before now, everything was done manually. We could not monitor real-time, what was happening in our terminals.We could not monitor real-time, when payments will be given.

“Technology has also been deployed to ensure that we reduce the corruption that has existed in that sector in the past,’’ he said.

The Chairman of Heirs Energies Limited, Mr Tony Elumelu, said the oil industry has been able to turn around the season of decline to that of growth.

Elumelu said  the country ‘s increase in crude oil production to 1.7 million barrels per day in January attests to this growth.

He said that with the completion of the major divestments that have just come through, over 50 per cent of Nigeria’s oil production was now operated by indigenous companies.

“For a lot of people, there is trepidation that we can deliver. There is also optimism that we can deliver.

“Heirs Energies has been one of those companies that has stood strongly for growth, as demonstrated by the growth we have achieved in our company by doubling production since inception,’’ he said.

Elumelu said that the leadership discourse was informed by the need to chart a way forward for the company, as well as the country.

“As we embark on our second leadership forum, we bring our entire leadership to discuss the way forward for our company.

“ We thought that being a child of the Nigerian petroleum industry, we needed to bring all the parties together to discuss the growth of the industry,.

“ In that light, we felt it was important to bring together the industries to start talking about the growth.

“Now that it is us, the indigenous companies that are in control of a larger proportion of the production, we have to power it, we have to own the challenge, and we have to deliver to the Nigerian people,’’ Elumelu said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other panelists at the forum included Ademola Adeyemi-Boro, Chairman, OPEC Board of Governors and Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) , Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

Others are Roger Brown, CEO, Seplat Energy PLC, Osa Igiehon, CEO, Heirs Energies Limited.

NAN reports that Nigeria’s oil production, including condensate, rose by four per cent Month-on-Month (MoM) to 1.737 million barrels per day (bpd) in January compared to 1.667 million bpd recorded in December 2024.

On a year-on-year (YoY) basis, output saw a 5.7 per cent increase, reaching 1.737 million bpd in January 2025, compared to 1.643 million bpd in the same period of 2024, according to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

In its latest report on Crude Oil and Condensate Production, the NUPRC stated, “Lowest and peak production in January was 1.66 million bopd and 1.79 million bopd, respectively.

The average crude oil production was 103 per cent of  the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota (1.5 mbpd).

NUPRC said, this indicates that Nigeria successfully met the OPEC production quota of 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd). (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Shuaib Sadiq/Sadiya Hamza

Foreign

Japan pledges $3m assistance to Nigeria towards combating cholera epidemic— Envoy

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By Chinenye Offor

The Japanese government on Thursday, pledged assistance of three million dollars to Nigeria to combat cholera epidemic in parts of the country.

Mr Suzuki Hideo, Japanese Ambassador-Designate to Nigeria said this at the Japanese Emperor’s 65th birthday reception held in Abuja

He revealed that the assistance was funded by a recently approved supplementary budget for the current fiscal year.

Japan has indeed been a steady partner in providing humanitarian and development support to Nigeria, following the visit of Japan’s former foreign minister in April 2024, Japan announced an emergency loan of 108 million dollars to support Nigeria.

He added that there was also a grant of 5.4 million dollars to enhance the country’s agricultural and health capabilities in 2024.

Japan’s government has been working with international organisations to assist Nigeria.

In 2023, Japan’s supplementary budget allocated two million in emergency aid to support peace and stability in Northeast Nigeria, and disaster prevention efforts using Japanese expertise.

The envoy said that since the birth of the Emperor in 1960 which also coincided with when Nigeria gained independence; this marked the beginning of a diplomatic bilateral relation that has continued to deepen over the years.

According to him, at the Lagos international trade fair organised by Japan’s external trade organisation (JETRO) held in November 2024, a record of 40 companies exhibited at the Japan Pavilion, this is a clear indication of the high expectations Japanese companies have for the Nigerian market.

“It is true that Japanese companies in Nigeria are facing various business challenges.

“I hope that under the strong leadership of the Nigerian government, the business environment will continue to improve.

“I am optimistic about the future of the Nigerian economy. I visited the Dangote refinery which has garnered global attention, and I was impressed by the groundbreaking vision, skill, and cutting-edge technology on display.

“This experience gave me a profound sense of the huge potential for future development in Nigeria,” he said.

According to the envoy, 2025 marks a significant milestone in Japan-Nigeria and Japan-Africa relations and in expectation of TICAD 9 which will hold in Aug. 2025 in Yokohama.

Hideo, said that he is looking forward to seeing the participation of the Nigerian government from the highest level in TICAD 9 2025. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Halima Sheji

Economy/Business

DMO appoints Stanbic IBTC as new FG stockbrokers

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By Kadiri Abdulrahman

The Debt Management Office (DMO) on Thursday unveiled Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers Ltd. as the new stockbrokers of the Federal Government.

This is coming after the expiration of the tenure of CSL Stockbrokers Ltd., a subsidiary of First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

According to the Director-General of DMO, Patience Oniha, Stanbic is a comprehensive financial house with which the Federal Government has done business in other areas.

Oniha described the Stanbic brand as strong and respected with a wide reach.

“It is a name that is familiar to our target investors, and that marches what our needs are.

“Its reputation and diversification as a group qualify it for the appointment,” Oniha said.

She said that the DMO issued securities on behalf of the Federal Government, and the appointment of a government stockbroker is done on behalf of the Federal Government.

“There are two reasons why the DMO, which the largest issuers of securities in the market, needs a stockbroker.

“The first reason is a compliance issue. We are required to have a stockbroker whose functions are clearly defined. Secondly, there is a strong commitment to deepening to capital market.”

She said that there was the retail segment of the market that the DMO has been trying to develop; the savings bond and the sukuk.

“A major mandate for you is to ensure that we are able to attract more investors to the FGN securities, FGN savings bonds, as well as the sukuk, ” she said.

Bunmi Olarinoye, Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers Ltd. expressed the firm’s commitment to growing the retail segment of the market.

Olarinoye said that the firm was also thinking of ways and ideas to reach that segment of the market.

“Enlightenment and awareness are the key points that we have noted down, and that we will focus on to ensure that a lot more people become aware of offers from the DMO.

” We are on board to ensure that this is successful and to take it to the next level,” she said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng]

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Defence/Security

Nigeria making significant strides in countering violent extremism – NCTC coordinator

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

Nigeria has made significant strides in implementing various aspects of the Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) programmes and initiatives.

Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre,(NCTC-ONSA), said this at a Stakeholders’ Consultative Meeting.

The meeting was organised for the Review of Policy Framework and National Action Plan Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PF–NAP for PCVE) in Nigeria, on Wednesday in Abuja.

The PF-NAP was adopted in 2017.

Laka said that multi-sectorial, whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach had enabled collaboration between government, civil society, and international partners, leading to impactful interventions at the national, state, and sub-national levels.

According to him, in spite of the progress, challenges remain.

“The NCTC has been at the forefront of coordinating PCVE efforts nationwide, ensuring that interventions are evidence-based, strategic, and aligned with national security objectives.

“Our commitment to this mandate is unwavering, and we are dedicated to strengthening the institutionalisation of PCVE in Nigeria through effective coordination, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge-driven decision-making.

“We have actively engaged with stakeholders and partners to understand the evolving landscape of violent extremism and the key challenges facing our interventions.

“This has enabled us to reposition NCTC-ONSA to deliver effectively on its mandate,’’ he said.

Laka said a validation meeting reviewed the Draft Guidelines and the Draft Strategic Communications Plan for PCVE/DDRR.

This, he said, was a testament to NCTC commitment to addressing critical gaps in the PCVE interventions.

“These documents will significantly enhance our collective response to violent extremism and ensure greater coordination across all levels,” he said.

Laka urged all stakeholders including government agencies, international partners, donors, CSOs, and community actors to actively contribute, share insights, and provide strategic support to ensure successful revision of the PF-NAP for PCVE.

According to him, their engagement will not only strengthen Nigeria’s response but will reinforce our commitment to sustainable peace, security, and national stability.

“Together, let us build a more inclusive, effective, and sustainable framework that will shape Nigeria’s PCVE interventions for years to come,” he added.

The Director of PCVE at NCTC-ONSA, Amb. Mairo Abbas, said the primary objective of the meeting was to engage critical stakeholders in the review process of the existing PF-NAP.

Abbas said the meeting would provide an opportunity for inclusive consultation, ensuring the revised framework was comprehensive, effective and responsive to the current and emerging trends of violent extremism in Nigeria.

“This engagement is essential because PCVE is a multi-sectorial issue that requires a whole-of-society approach, bringing together government institutions, civil society, development partners, and the private sector.

“Through this consultative process, we aim to institutionalise lessons learned, integrate best practices, and enhance coordination in our collective efforts to counter violent extremism,” she said.

Abbas said that key focus areas include assessing the implementation of the 2017 PF-NAP; institutionalising success stories and enhancing coordination and stakeholder engagement, among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Sadiya Hamza

Sports

We won’t support transgender boxing in Nigeria, says NBF

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By Muhyideen Jimoh

Azania Omo-Agege, Interim President of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), says the federation will not support any move aimed at promoting transgender boxing in the country.

Omo-Agege said this on Wednesday in Abuja, while expressing concerns over the proposed visit of Boris Vandervorst, President, World Boxing Federation (WBF), where he is expected to promote transgender boxing.

“This move is not in the best interest of Nigerians,” he said.

According to Omo-Agege, Vandervorst has allegedly been in the forefront of championing Transgender boxing in the world.

“He became prominent when he allegedly gave the World Boxing platform to controversial Algerian transgender boxer, Imane Khalif, to participate at the Paris Olympics.

“You know that the majority of the boxers that represent Nigeria are from the military circle, and you recall recently that President Bola Tinubu had pronounced a ban on transgender in the military.

“So, do you want them to disobey the President because they want to represent Nigeria? This is the reason we will not welcome it in the country.”

Omo-Agege criticised those championing the move, and Vandervorst coming, especially at the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), accusing them of prioritising personal interests over national concerns.

The NBF president wondered why those who led Nigerian boxers to a disastrous doping test outing, and were eventually banned as a result, could still be allowed in the Nigeria boxing circle.

He said that boxing as a sport would collapse in the country if the agenda of transgender was allowed to succeed.

Omo-Agege called on the Nigerian sporting authority to critically assess the issue, while also being mindful of President Tinubu’s disposition towards transgender.

He commended the International Boxing Association (IBA) President, Umar Kremlev, for his unrelenting support towards Nigerian boxers, noting that the 500 boxing gloves donated to Nigerian boxers recently, demonstrated his love for Nigeria Boxing.

Omo-Agege also commended the President of Africa Boxing Confederation, Eyassu Wossen, for his role in developing boxing in Africa. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

Science & Tech

Association seeks Act to abolish HND, bachelor degree dichotomy

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By Sylvester Thompson

The Association of Private Polytechnics in Nigeria has urged President Bola Tinubu to sponsor a Bill for an Act to abolish the dichotomy between Higher National Diploma (HND) and bachelor degrees.

Dr Benjamin Achiatar, president of the association, made the call during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dichotomy between HND and bachelor degree holder allows holders of the latter be given preferential treatment in government jobs over the former.

Achiatar said though the dichotomy had been officially removed by the National Council on Establishment, its implementation was very poor because according to him, it is not properly backed by law.

“The Bill to back it up was passed at the 9th Senate but was not duly signed into law by the then president.

“Therefore, a new Bill needs to be sponsored or the previous one revisited by the present 10th National Assembly and sent to President Bola Tinubu for his assent,’’ he said.

Achiatar said due to the dichotomy, Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) records showed yearly drastic reduction in numbers of applications into polytechnics.

Achiatar, who is the Proprietor of Gboko Polytechnic, stressed the importance of technical education in fast tracking the industralisation of any country.

“We handle mostly technical trainings in Nigeria. In the polytechnics and monotechnics we have various courses; we train our students both in theory and practical.

“The emphasis we place on practical trainings is what makes us different from the university,’’ he said.

Achiatar said Nigerians needed to understand that technical and technological education was very important to the industralisation of Nigeria.

“We are requesting government to pay attention to all technology and technical education in Nigeria because in the last few years, interest in technical and technological education has been reducing.’’

He argued that the increasingly lower number of students applying to polytechnics and monotechnics in the country through JAMB was affecting the economy as a whole.

“We are hoping that government will see this and give adequate attention to this area which will enable students to see the incentive to train in the field, ‘’ he said.

He said the lack of incentives discourages students from taking up courses that lead to HND, adding that generally, government seem to be paying more attention to university education.

“That is why we are requesting that government should sponsor a Bill in the National Assembly that will do away with the dichotomy,’’ Achiatar said.

He noted that recently the Governing Councils (CCC) of Polytechnics emphasised the need for conversion of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) into a commission.

Achiatar said the association was in full support of the conversion.

He clarified that converting the NBTE being the regulatory body, into a commission, would also allow the NBTE to cater for the progressive needs of Nigeria’s polytechnics.

“It will have the capacity to work with the National Universities Commission (NUC), to do accreditation in Polytechnics for the award of B.Tech (Hons) which will attract more students,’’ Achiatar said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Economy/Business

Organisation lauds Alake for advancing solid minerals sector

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By Martha Agas

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake has been conferred with an Honorary Fellow of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) for his efforts in advancing Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

The award was presented to him on Tuesday in Abuja at the opening ceremony of the NMGS 60th Annual International Conference and Exhibition (AICE).

In his acceptance speech, Alake described the recognition as not just a personal honour but an acknowledgement of the collective commitment to the growth and development of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

He described the theme of the conference, “Transformation of the Mineral, Energy, Water, and Construction Sectors through Innovations,” as timely and aligned with the Federal Government’s vision of modernising and maximising the potential of the key sectors.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Mary Ogbe, he noted that innovation remained the cornerstone of sustainable growth.

He highlighted technological advancements, research, and strategic partnerships as key to unlocking new opportunities and driving development.

According to him, the mining industry is undergoing a global paradigm shift, with the adoption of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and automation enhancing exploration and other operations.

“ In Nigeria, we must embrace these innovations to attract investments, increase productivity, and ensure the responsible extraction of our vast energy resources, “ he said.

According to him, the ministry of solid minerals has prioritised the deployment of geospatial data and remote sensing technologies for mineral exploration, aimed at reducing uncertainties and optimising investment decisions.

“Additionally, we are working toward establishing mineral processing hubs to enhance value addition and reduce reliance on raw mineral exports,” he said.

Highlighting the connection between mining, energy, and water resources, he emphasised that sustainable mining practices required responsible energy consumption and water management.

He noted that adopting renewable energy solutions in mining operations, such as solar and hydroelectric power, would reduce carbon footprints and operational costs, ensuring a greener mining industry.

He described the construction industry as a major consumer of solid minerals that relied on materials such as limestone, granite, and gypsum.

“By harnessing innovative technologies in material science and industrial processing, we can improve the quality and durability of construction materials, enhance infrastructural development, and contribute significantly to economic growth.”

He stated that the ministry is strengthening collaborations between mining and construction stakeholders to ensure a sustainable supply chain that prioritised local content and value addition.

According to him, the Federal Government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for innovation-driven growth in the mining and allied sectors.

He reaffirmed commitment to working with the NMGS and all industry players to harness the full potential of Nigeria’s natural resources for national development.

Speaking, NMGS President , Prof. Akinade Olatunji, said the organisation had identified the need of innovation in addressing the myriad of challenges in the various sectors of Nigeria’s economy.

Olatunji noted that if sectors such as water resources, construction, and agriculture underwent the required transformation, it would result in massive advantages for the economy.

In his goodwill message, the National President of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr Dele Ayankele urged the government to implement sustainable policies for the industry’s growth.

Ayankele also urged effective monitoring and review mechanisms to prevent policy somersaults.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other recipients of the honorary conferment include the governors of Nasarawa, Abdullahi Sule; Anambra, Prof. Charles Soludo; and Yobe, Mai Mala Buni, among others.

The conference will run from Feb. 16 to Feb. 21. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

Sports

Oyome secures third consecutive title at 2025 IBB Ladies Open

108 total views today

By Victor Okoye

Evelyn Oyome has secured an impressive third consecutive win at the IBB Ladies Amateur Golf Open 2025 after overcoming difficult opposition to defend her title.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tournament, which was its 26th edition, teed off on Feb. 13 and ended on Feb. 16.

No fewer than 450 golfers from five African countries participated in the week-long tournament, held at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

Oyome, a seasoned amateur golfer from Ikoyi Club, beat off intense pressure from 18 year-old Grace Agbo and Diana Osmond on the final day to make it three wins in a row, having won it in 2023 and 2024.

Oyome, who is also the President of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), grossed a total score of 248 after posting 82, 79, and 87 gross over three days to retain the title.

An elated Oyome told NAN that hard work and the support of her caddie ensured her victory.

“Winning this tournament again, the 26th edition is just so awesome, and I congratulate myself as well as my country, Nigeria.

“My caddie was one of the best I had today. He kept forging me on to go ahead, and anytime I missed my put, he encouraged me, and that gave me the courage to forge on.

“Playing with the youngsters was actually very interesting, and I can tell you that those are the players I am going to hand over the baton to in the nearest future,” she said.

She revealed that her secret was her short game, adding that she usually does not hit long but ensures that she does her one, two on the green.

She admitted that even though the final day was very difficult and challenging because of the hot weather, she psyched and told herself that she wasn’t playing against any other person but the field.

“Day one was a little bit not bad and not a good feeling for me. I was just in the middle. I had double bogeys on some holes, and I managed to play 82 gross.

“But day two was actually the day that brought me back to this tournament. I played 79 gross; 41 front nine, and 38 back nine.

“Everything went well. My putting was perfect, and my short game was good.But, day 3 wasn’t too good for me, probably due to excessive heat from the sun, but I still found myself winning,” she said.

Nigeria’s Agbo finished as runner up in the category for handicap 0 to 18 with a total gross score of 252, after posting 84, 85, and 83 gross over three days to beat Osmond on countback

While, fellow compatriot Osmond settled for the second runner-up position with a total gross score of 252 after posting 84, 84, 84.

The winner smiled home with a return ticket to London courtesy of Arik Air, while the runner up won a return ticket to Uyo, including an all-expense paid weekend at the Ibom Golf Resort, courtesy of deestravels.

A total prize money of $5,000 was up for grabs in the Ladies Professional category with Nigeria’s Rachael Danjuma emerging winner as she smiled home with a $1,300 cash prize

Eva Magala of Uganda finished as runner-up to settle for a $ 900 cash prize, while Nigeria’s Uloma Ogbuokiri settled for the second runner-up prize of $700.

In the Ladies Special Category for handicap 29 to 54, J. Umolu playing off handicap 344 returned a gross score of 104 and 70 nett to emerge winner of the category.

J. Kpamor won the veteran Ladies category after she played off handicap 24 with a total gross 135 (69 + 66) over two days.

G. Omisore was the winner of the Super Veteran category, after she played off handicap 43 and garnered 38 stable ford points.

An excited lady captain, Julie Donli, described the event as memorable and a success, noting that it was the biggest Ladies Open ever in the history of the club.

Donli noted that players came from far and wide to enjoy three days of good golfing experience.

“We had over 450 golfers that participated in this event. We also had over 50 clubs from the various parts of Nigeria, with five countries.

“This is the biggest ever Ladies Open, not just in Nigeria, and I am very happy about it.

“I believe that the participants were happy with the course as the IBB International Golf course meets international standards.

“They are very few of them, and we are one of the best in the world. So, it’s every golfers dream to play here, and of course, it has an excellent hospitality that comes with it,” she said.

She attributed the success of the event to good and early planning.

“Good planning is very important. We actually started planning this like over six months back.

“Six months back, we had everything ready. When I say everything, I mean everything was ready. All we had to do was check. We kept checking and had our plan B just in case plan A doesn’t work.

“So, I think early planning, commitment, hard work by my team members and I was responsible for this,” she said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah and Muhyideen Jimoh

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