Ghana’s Vincent Torgah has emerged overall winner of the maiden Rowland Adewumi Golf classic held at the prestigious IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

By Muhyideen Jimoh

Dr Rowland Adewumi, a golf enthusiast and promoter has pledged to invest more in the development of golf in Nigeria through his “Rowland Adewumi” golf classic tournament.

Adewumi stated this on Saturday at the tee-off of the tournament at the prestigious IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, where both professional and amateur golfers are slugging it out for honours.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the inaugural tournament is meant to serve as a veritable platform for the development of amateur and professional Nigerian golfers to international standards.

The philanthropist stressed the need to have sustainable tournaments for golf development across the country, in line with international best practices.

“I think the game of golf has been lagging behind, so I just decided to make my own contribution to the develop the game better in Nigeria.

“This is the inaugural tournament and I intend to make it a yearly affair in the spirit of developing the sport further.

“So apart from the game, we intend doing charity today, so we are supporting about four charity homes/orphanages and widows, so it’s not all about the game but at the same time supporting charity,” he said.

Adewumi, who is a professional golfer Handicap 7 with the IBB Int golf and country club called on government and the private sector to show more commitment to the development of the sport in the country.

“We need to support the pros in the country,, because if you look at the ranking in the world, Nigerian pros are not performing better.

“So I think the private sector, the government and other stakeholders need to support the pros as well to lift up the game to a higher height,” he added.

He said the tournament was put together to celebrate his 50th birthday, but promised to make it an annual event that will serve as platform for grooming professional and amateur golfers.

Earlier, Captain of the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Ibrahim Babayo extolled the support of Adewumi to the growth of the sport in the country, while calling on others to emulator him.

“We have got talents that are not opportuned to be exposed to this game and this philanthropist, Dr Adewumi has created a platform for these talents.

“I can tell you what he has done for us in this club is unprecedented, so we wish him happy birthday.

“We thank him for deepening the game of golf in Nigeria, we thank him for the sponsorship he’s been doing in IBB golf club, he’s one of our biggest donors and he’s been supportive of all our programmes,” he said.

NAN reports that the three-day tournament featured more than 100 golfers competing in a stroke play format over the renowned 18-hole, lush green IBB golf course.

A total of N20 million prize money and other consolation prizes are up for grabs at the end of the classic. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Muhyideen Jimoh

The Attom Foundation, an NGO in collaboration with some football legends will on Saturday play a Charity Champions Cup to raise awareness and funds for the eye treatment of  over 10, 000 Nigerians.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the much anticipated match is billed for the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Reigning African footballer of the year, Victor Osimhen and some Super Eagles stars will join African legends like Jay Jay Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, Didier Drogba, Emmanuel Eboue among others.

Yahaya Attom, the Founder/CEO of Attom Foundation, disclosed this at a pre-match news conference  on Friday in Abuja.

He said the charity match will go a long way in raising awareness about the plight of Nigerians in need of eye treatment.

He said the goal is to raise awareness and ultimately provide medical assistance to over 10,000 indigent Nigerians.

Attom who was represented by Emmanuel Ugonna, a comedian popularly known as Craze Clown,  said the foundation has offered free surgery to over 2,000 Nigerians in Maiduguri as part of it’s outreach.

He said going forward, the foundation plans to have mobile eye clinics in each of the 36 states of the country in line with international best practices.

‘Our plan is to have 36 mobile eye clinics across all states in the country where you can have eye tests, cataract surgeries and so on.

“Each of the mobile clinics costs 250,000 dollars   so you can see what we are talking about, we have four already at the Lagos port,” he said.

“When the foundation contacted me, I had no hesitation because am also involved in charity, especially as it involves the blind, my foundation is also supporting some schools.

“Abuja is also my city, so am proud to be part of this project, we have Jay Jay here, Kanu is here and a lot of other legends,” he said.

Dr Ozy Okonokhua, a public health optometrist and partner for the charity match decried the the lack of access to eye care/ treatment for most Nigerians, especially in the rural areas.

Okonokhua said about 84 per cent of blindness in Nigeria are preventable/ avoidable with early checkup, treatment or surgery.

He said the north-east and northern part of Nigeria has the highest number of people with blindness/visual impairment, stressing the need for all hands to be on deck to reverse this trend.

According to him, HMC is partnering with the Attom Foundation to raise awareness and give some intervention and free consultation to Nigerians in this regard.

Kafayat Shafau, popularly known as Kaffy, a dance instructor/fitness coach, who is the Project Director for the Foundation assured of a world class event on Saturday.

NAN reports that the event was graced by ex-internationals and celebrities. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Aderonke Ojo

No fewer than 188 cyclists have registered to participate in the 3rd edition of the Abuja Capital City Championship top prize, slated for Saturday.

Bashiru Mohammed, Technical Director, Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN) told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

He said that the event is being organised in conjunction with CHENUEL Mobility Solution Limited.

Mohammed said that the championship was earlier scheduled for June 1, but was postponed due to the inauguration of road projects within the FCT.

“This year’s championship will features Men Elite 140km,Women Elite 80km, Men Veteran 60km and Women veteran 30km,” he said.

The technical director said that the amateur category for schools in the FCT would feature the Male 20km and Female 15 km race.

He said that cyclists are expected to arrive on June 14, while the championship will start on June 15 and end on June 16.

“The starting and finishing point will be the Federal Secretariat, Ahmadu Bello way behind Eagle Square, by 7 a.m.

“The Championships will be completed in both male and female categories in the elite class, veterans and amateurs’ class from secondary schools within the FCT.

“The State Cycling Association/Clubs will have six males and six females in the elite class, while the veterans will have four male, four female and two officials.

“At the end of the event, there will be medals and certificate presentation to all the winners as well as traveling subsidies for all the external participants coming from states,” he said.

Mohammed urged Abuja residents to come out and encourage the cyclists.

He said that the championship would foster good working relationship amongst the participating cyclists.

“The more the cyclists race the more they will improve on their standards, both at domestic and international level.

“I am aware of the crucial role the media play in shaping mind-set and facilitating policy direction towards achieving set objectives, so we call on the media to help publicise our activities,” he said.

According to him, 109 cyclists will compete in the 140km and 60km, while 38 cyclists will compete in the 80km and 30km in the female elite class and veterans.

He said all necessary logistics have been put in place to ensure a hitch-free championship. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Muhyideen Jimoh

By Muhyideen Jimoh

The President, Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe has commended Nigeria’s female golf sensation, Georgia Oboh, on her recent victory at the John Shippen Women’s Invitational in Michigan, U.S.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 23-year-old Oboh, on Wednesday, captured the 2024 John Shippen Women’s Invitational and earned exemptions to compete in two LPGA tournaments – the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give and the Dow Championship.

Oboh will tee it up alongside the world’s best female golfers at the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give starting June 13, after shooting 69-70—139 on the same course Tuesday and Wednesday to earn a three-stroke victory at the SHIPPEN event.

Runsewe, who gave the commendation in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, said that Oboh’s victory was an inspiration to other children back home and a testament to the fact that hard work pays

“Congratulations to our very own Georgia Oboh on your well-deserved victory at the John Shippen Women’s Invitational at Blythefield Country Club in Grand Rapids, Michigan

“Your victory is indeed a fulcrum of great possibilities and renewed hope for Nigeria and Nigerians.

“We believe in you to keep the Nigerian flag flying high and keep doing your very best, to ensure that you represent our dear country as a good ambassador of the game of golf,” he said.

NAN also reports that another Nigerian female pro golfer, Anita Uwadia, tied for third position with Ashley Shaw of U.S. in the same tournament, making it the first time in an international professional ladies’ golf tournament where two Nigerians made the top three.

The NGF president noted that the performance of the girls was a very rare one and not a mean feat.

He added that they had both distinguished themselves as the very first Nigerians and one of the few black professional female golfers on the top stage.

He said that the federation would continue to support the golfers, to ensure that they reach their full potential as they continue to make the country proud and showcase themselves to the world.

He also advised parents to always support and encourage their children to start playing golf at an early age, adding that it was a sport they could be engaged in for the rest of their lives.

“Hand your child a golf club, and you might be surprised what happens.

“Your child might not be the next Tiger Woods, but golf can make a big impact in a young life.

“Kids can benefit from the sport mentally, physically, and emotionally. The sport can set them up for success as they get older.

“Many of the skills learned on the course translate to real life,” he said.

NAN also reports that Oboh and her chosen partner will compete in the Dow Championship starting June 27 in Midland, Michigan.

The John Shippen Women’s Invitational which Oboh and Uwadia were part of is a series of competitions created to provide playing opportunities on the LPGA Tour and PGA Tour for the top Black amateur and professional women and men golfers.

The events are named after John Shippen, Jr., who was both the first American-born golf professional and the country’s first Black golf professional. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Aderonke Ojo

President of Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), Ifedayo Akindoju, says the federation is committed to promoting gender equality with regards to the participation and officiating of tennis events in the country.

He made the remarks while declaring a maiden International Tennis Federation’s Advantage All workshop open on Friday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigeria Tennis Umpires Association (NTUA) made history on Friday in Abuja.

This followed the successful hosting of its maiden International Tennis Federation’s Advantage All programme, thus setting the pace for other African countries.

The workshop was organised by the NTF, in conjunction with the International Tennis Federation ( ITF), with no fewer than 20 female tennis officials from across the country in participation.

It aims to further deepen the domestication of the initiative which the country formally signed into in 2021 at the Annual General Meeting of ITF in Glasgow, Scotland.

Akindoju extolled the milestones being recorded by the Officiating Department of the Federation, noting that officiating in Nigeria had advanced beyond imagination “as ladies in tennis officiating have done so well.

“What we are witnessing here today is another landmark to show that ladies are very interested in sports and in tennis in particular.

“As a Federation, we are promoting gender fairness, gender equality in terms of opportunities and participation, and have put in place a well monitored and guided mechanism to ensure that no body is treated unfairly”, Akindoju said.

Acting Chairman of NTUA, Rose Abu, encouraged the participants to make adequate use of the opportunity to develop and sharpen their officiating knowledge and skills.

Abu thanked the ITF for endorsing the event, and commended the effort and commitment of the President of NTF and the country’s Officiating Manager, Kehinde Ijaola, for making the day a reality.

Gold Badge Chair Umpire and an Advantage All Global Ambassador, Eva Asderaki-Moore led a plethora of virtual international goodwill messages from female tennis Umpires across the world to the participants.

With the theme, Tennis Officiating: Place, Value Of Women In Officiating And Empowerment, the workshop had series of paper presentations on topical issues.

NAN also reports that a minute silence was earlier observed in honour of the immediate past Nigeria’s Advantage All Ambassador and one of the country’s finest tennis officials, late Arinola Isa-Banire who died in July 2023.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

By Angela Atabo

Julie Okah-Donli, Lady Captain of the IBB International Golf Club has urged women to participate in the game of golf to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

Okah-Donli, a former Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), made the call at the Women’s Golf Day Kitty, to mark the 2024 International Women Golf Day.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the event with the theme, “Inspiring Women Inclusion through Golf”, was organised by the Ladies Section of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Golf Club in Abuja

Okah-Donli emphasised the need for women’s revolution in the golf game, stressing, it would lead to growth in the golf industry and give women more opportunities to play.

“We are here to celebrate the International Women’s Golf Day, aimed at celebrating women golfers and to introduce the game of golf to non-women golfers just to tell them how important it is to play golf.

“Golf is life. It is very good for your mental and physical health and also good for networking and business.

“I have met new friends here that I have never met before. So, for women, that is the best way to go,” she said.

Okah-Donli added: “Golf can be expensive, but it depends on what you want. You can buy an expensive golf kit ,you can buy a cheap one ,you can even buy a fairly used one.

“The most important thing is, if you are interested in playing the game and you are focused, then, playing golf does not become expensive to you

“I encourage women and young girls to play golf. Now, we are having a lot of young girls that play golf”.

According to her, “back in the days, the game was believed to be for old men and women, but now, times have changed with advancement in technology, the younger ones are even playing more than the older ones” .

Also speaking, Dr Lami Ahmed ,the first vice President of Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria, said there was a need to attract more women to play golf to reap the benefits.

“We are happy to be here to celebrate women’s golf day and as the name implies, it is to celebrate women.

“The vision is to increase the participation of non-golf playing ladies to begin to love the game and also to celebrate existing lady golfers.

“Since the game was introduced in 2016, it has been played every year and the import of it is women holding women’s hands in collaboration to enable us to move further than what we are doing, individually,” she said.

Ahmed said there were not many women playing the game of golf compared to the men, thus the need to encourage more participation of women.

“It is very important that we give avenue to women to participate, so that we can inspire and enjoy the networking and as well build relationships, “she said

Ahmed disclosed that over 70 women had registered to play at the GEJ Club for the year.

She added that different activities were lined up to celebrate the day at the GEJ Golf Club.(NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Emmanuel Afonne

The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has attributed the success recorded in the last one year to the unity of purpose between it, the Sports Ministry and the National Sports Federations.

Tony Nezianya, Public Relations Officer (PRO), NOC, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview that the Habu Gumel-led had ensured the continuous existence of peace and harmony among the Olympic community in the country.

“NOC has ensured regular flow of information to the National Sports Federations, stakeholders as well as the media at home and abroad.”

Nezianya said that the near success story of Team Nigeria athletes for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games arose from the financial support from the NOC to all national federations involved in the qualifiers.

He also said that the interest of the current administration in sports necessitated the increase in medals won by the country at international competitions.

“We recorded a successful outing at the 13th African Games held in Accra, Ghana this year, where Nigeria won more medals (121 medals of 47 gold, 34 Silver and 40 bronze) than in previous Games to place overall second.

“Nigeria finished in fourth position at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago in 2023 after Team Nigeria won eight medals which comprised of six gold and two silver medals.

“The performance was led by athletes such as Destiny Agbo, who won gold in the Women’s Discus Throw, and Samuel Ogazi, who won gold in the men’s 400m.

“Faith Okwose also set a new Games Record in the women’s 100m final, with a time of 11.26 seconds.

“Nigeria also participated in its first-ever Winter Youth Olympics in January this year after becoming the first African country to qualify, with six athletes competing in curling, and challenging European athletes.”

According to him, NOC has achieved 90 per cent success in the accreditation process of all athletes, coaches and officials preparing for the Olympics.

The public relations officer said the NOC also secured the Games Village for Athletes and Hotels for high-profile officials.

He further told NAN that the NOC had secured the official clothing and kitting company for Team Nigeria for the Olympics.

“Actively Black, a U.S.-based sports apparel company, is the official clothing and kitting company for Team Nigeria for the Paris Olympics.”

NAN reports that Actively Black is a black-owned, diaspora-owned brand that was founded in 2020 by former basketball player Lanny Smith.

The company has been growing rapidly and has already reached a valuation of 30 million dollars in 2021 and has also collaborated with Disney on “Black Panther”.

Speaking further, Nezianya listed the successful completion of the Mini Olympic Village at Amuwo Odofin with sporting facilities like basketball and handball courts, as well as football pitch soccer there, as other achievements of NOC.

“NOC secured five hectares of land to build NOC headquarters in Abuja and has also secured the building plan for the secretariat and other sporting facilities,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo