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Oluwatola wins 4th AFNIS Golf tournament
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Oluwatola wins 4th AFNIS Golf tournament

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By Victor Okoye

Tobi Oluwatola, CEO of TAO Energy, has emerged as the overall best net winner of the 2025 African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS) Golf tournament in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this was after Oluwatola played off handicap 19, and returned a total of 86 gross and 67 net.

The event, which was the fourth in the series was hosted by the TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club (TYBIGRCC), Abuja, with no fewer than 250 golfers taking part.

An elated Oluwatola told NAN that the victory was special to him because it was his first ever win after several attempts.

“It was a hard-fought battle. I am very elated, obviously, because I have been working very hard for this.

“I have been playing for four years. It’s a game I love a lot and am very passionate about.

“I have had alot of second place finishes in this tournament, but this is the first time I am finishing as the overall winner, so this cup holds a special place in my heart,” he said.

The energy entrepreneur noted that though he had a great start, he encountered some difficulties towards the end of the course, which almost ruined his game.

“I knew from the start that I was playing a decent game because I was putting the balls very well and playing a lot of pars.

“But then, towards the end, I started getting nervous, and on hole 17, I hit my tee-shot on a par 3 into the bush, and I thought that was the end of the tournament for me.

“But I went into the bush and tipped it out, even though it didn’t quite get on the green.

“However, from outside the fringe, I was able to chip it into the hole, and at that point, I knew that the forces were behind me, and I was going to win.

“I played par on the last hole, and the rest was history,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to the organisers for putting together a wonderful tournament in the serene and lush green course of the TYB International Golf Club.

The champion added that he was already looking forward to to a tougher challenge ahead in next year’s edition.

NAN also reports that Oluwatola was closely followed by Charles Ona of TYB Golf Club, who returned 96 gross and 72 net after playing off handicap 24 to finish as runner-up net.

Aliyu Ambursa settled for the second runner-up position after he played off handicap 15, and returned 92 gross and 77 net in the men’s category.

Victor Garba emerged the best gross winner in the men’s category after he returned a total gross score of 84, while Salisu Ali finished as runner-up with 85 gross.

In the Ladies category, Maureen Apute, the Lady Captain of TYBIGRCC playing off handicap 18, emerged best net winner after returning 87 gross and 69 net.

Saratu Kudi who played off handicap 24, finished as runner-up net, after returning 101 gross and 77 net, while Rose Nyam returned 92 gross to clinch the best gross prize in the women’s category. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

2025 LGAN golf championship: Agbo emerges best gross winner
Sports

2025 LGAN golf championship: Agbo emerges best gross winner

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By Victor Okoye

Teenage golfing sensation, Grace Agbo of the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, is the champion of the 2025 Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) Northern zone Golf Championship.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the championship that commenced on Wednesday ended on Sunday in Minna, Niger.

No fewer than 250 golfers from across the country jostled for honours at the unique and lush green course of the Minna Cantonment Golf Club (MCGC).

Agbo emerged the best gross champion after she returned a total gross score of 246 over three days to beat 45 other lady golfers who made the final cut in the ladies handicap 0-18 female category.

The 18-year-old overcame initial nerves, which saw her returning a disappointing 90 gross on Day 1 as she dropped to the fourth position on the leaderboard.

She, however, bounced back, returning 83 gross to tie for second with Janet Ali (87, 86) on Day 2.

Agbo carried the momentum to the third and final day, where she played her best golf of the championship, returning an impressive 73 gross to claim an emphatic victory.

“First of all, I want to say thank you to God Almighty for this victory.

“I also want to express my sincere gratitude to my caddy Emmanuel and my coach for their useful tips and guidance throughout the tournament.

“I think this is one of my best wins ever because I came out with a good score, even though I started my game initially on the back foot because I was nervous.

“My greatest challenge was the presence of the mango trees everywhere on the course, but I conquered my fears and anxiety after day 1 and never looked back afterwards.

“My goal is to continue to build on what I have achieved so far in the game as I look forward to becoming a pro very soon, and represent Nigeria in different tours and courses around the world,” she said.

Her closest challenger, Justina Gideon, returned a total gross score of 259 after playing 87, 86, 86 over three days to finish second, beating Janet Ali on count back.

Ali had to settle for the third position after she also returned a total gross score of 259, playing 86, 88, 85 over three days.

Rahama Inusa, who had initially shot to the top of the leaderboard on Day 1 with an impressive 82 gross and maintained her lead on Day 2 with 87 gross, failed to hold on to her lead (-4).

Inusa looked poised to give the other top three lady golfers a run for their money going into the final day.

She, however, cracked under pressure in the crucial moments to finish fourth on the leaderboard after returning a disappointing 91 gross on Day 3 for a total gross score of 260 over three days.

NAN reports that in other results, Bose Ilori emerged winner of the ladies’ handicap 19 – 28 category after she returned a total of 275 gross (93, 93, 89) over three days.

LGAN President Evelyn Oyome was the winner of the ladies’ guest category after she returned a total of 169 gross (85, 84) over two days.

The ladies’ veteran’s category’s top prize went to Saleh Martina after she returned 204 gross (101, 103) over two days.

Also, Habiba Ibrahim emerged winner of the ladies’ special category for handicap 29 – 36 after she returned 115 gross.

The winners of the different categories, as well as all participants, went home with trophies, medals, and beautiful gifts.

Dr Lami Ahmed, LGAN’s 1st Vice President, who was full of praise for all who made the event successful, expressed her gratitude to the LOC, the Commandant, TRADOC and others.

She also thanked all the LGAN vice presidents from the various zones for their presence, which she noted made the event truly special.

“On behalf of the National President, Evelyn Oyome, and the entire team, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for joining us at the golf tournament at the Minna Cantonment Golf Club.

“We are deeply indebted in gratitude to all our sponsors and stakeholders whose financial contributions and faith in LGAN made this happen.

“I wish us all safe travels back home, and I’m looking forward to seeing you again soon. Thank you for playing the tournament,” she said.

Also, the LOC Chairperson, Maureen Apute, expressed her gratitude on behalf of the 1st Zonal Vice President, Dr Ahmed, and the entire LOC.

Apute noted that the tournament brought together golfers from diverse backgrounds, ages, and skill levels.

“I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our national president, Evelyn Oyome, for joining us at the golf tournament at the Minna Cantonment Golf Club.

“Your presence made the event truly special, and we hope you had a wonderful time both on and off the course.

“To the captain MCGC and Exco members, we all are most grateful for being our host. We really had fun.

“Our profound gratitude also goes to all our sponsors and stakeholders whose financial contributions and faith in LGAN made this happen.

“To our beautiful lady golfers from all over the country you made this tournament so colourful and enjoyable,

“To our wonderful men and support system, thank you for honouring our invitation to be part of this tournament. Above all, we want to thank God for a successful outing,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

LGAN North zone golf championship to promote peace, unity, organisers say
Sports

LGAN North zone golf championship to promote peace, unity, organisers say

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By Victor Okoye

Organisers of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) Northern zone Golf Championship, say the tournament aims to use golf as a tool to promote peace, unity and well-being in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 250 golfers from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja have converged in Minna, Niger  for the tournament.

The 18-hole lush green course of the Minna Cantonment Golf Club will play host to the championship as the participants slug it out for honours over the next three days.

Lami Ahmed, the 1st Vice president of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), told NAN that the objective of the  championship was to promote unity, peace and well-being through golf.

Ahmed said it also aimed to motivate women to embrace the game and also to increase LGAN’s scope of exposure to the different golf courses in the North.

“We want to be able to show that when we talk about promoting unity, peace, and well-being through golf, it can happen anywhere.

“The inspiration to organise this prestigious championship in Minna came from our president, Evelyn Oyome, who has been preaching about the need for us to embrace inclusiveness.

“She has always stressed the need for us to spread the good news of golf to women so as to increase our membership.

“So, we decided that rather than just staying and enjoying ourselves at the capital, Abuja, it was important for us to share the good news up north.

“This is for women who do not believe that we can play this game, perhaps some of them have never seen a lady in a golf attire before.

“That’s why we decided to go to Kano in 2024, and Minna this year,” she said.

Ahmed noted that the tournament was the first-of-its-kind as it is the first time a zonal open championship was being held in Minna.

“This is because we must spread the good news, and we must give opportunity to every corner of this country and particularly every part of the north.

“We want to motivate women to embrace the game and also to increase our scope of exposure to the different golf courses we have in the north,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Golf and Tour charity visits orphanages in Niger on its 12th edition
Sports

Golf and Tour charity visits orphanages in Niger on its 12th edition

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By Rita Iliya

The Golf and Tour Charity Association of Nigeria has commenced its 12th edition in Minna, with a pledge to contribute to orphanages in the state.

 

Wing Commander Dangana Sarki, Chairman of the Minna Local Organising Committee, disclosed this during a press conference in Minna on Thursday.

 

Sarki said the edition, starting from May 29 to May 31, was not only to play golf, but to also give back to the community through charity activities.

 

He disclosed that the association would visit orphanages during the tournament and contribute to their well-being.

 

He said the association comprises of members from various entities including the military, security agencies, public servants, and traditional rulers.

 

“Any state we hold our tournament, we take our time to visit orphanages, the needy to see how we can contribute to their wellbeing.

 

“This initiative is part of the association efforts to impact positively in the society while promoting the game of golf,” he said.

 

He explained that the tournament was expected to boost the local economy with 100 golfers from across the country lodging in hotels while participating in various activities.

 

Retired Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Onoyiveta, Chief Coordinator of the association, said that the group has completed orphanages, installed solar panels, and carried out medical outreach in states.

 

He said the association aimed to dispel the notion that golf is an elitist game.

 

“There is a perception about the game of golf as an elitist game.

 

“But despite that, for us in our group, we feel that society is very critical, and members of the society are very important, particularly the less privileged ones,” he added.

 

Also, Mr Jerry Gerald, Vice Captain of Minna Golf Club, expressed gratitude for the tournament, describing it as a privilege for the people of Niger state.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Wike directs IBB Golf Club committee to commence work immediately
Sports

Wike directs IBB Golf Club committee to commence work immediately

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By Philip YataiThe Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyeson Wike, has directed the newly appointed members of the Interim Management Committee of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) Golf Club to commence work immediately.

Mr Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the minister on Public Communications and Social Media, announced the directive in a statement in Abuja on Sunday.

Olayinka explained that the committee would be chaired by Dr Peter Deshi and Yomi Oyelola as secretary.

He identified other members of the committee as Otunba Elegbeleye, Nanwor Mamven, Mrs Ekanem Ekwueme, Arabi Bello, Lawan Aboki, Okey Nnaedozie, Fred Otobo and Julius Fadairo.

He, however, said that the committee would function under the supervision of the club’s Board of Trustees, led by Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, President of the Court of Appeal.

“The minister had emphasised the FCT Administration’s commitment to restoring order and efficiency to the prestigious club, which had recently experienced internal challenges.

“The minister also clarified the ownership status of the club, reiterating that it remained the property of the Federal Capital Territory Administration,” he said. (NAN)

Edite by Peter Amine

Energy security: Dogara tees-off 2nd NESI golf tournament in Abuja
Sports

Energy security: Dogara tees-off 2nd NESI golf tournament in Abuja

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By Muhyideen Jimoh

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara on Saturday teed off the second edition of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) golf tournament at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tournament which brought together over 160 golfers is meant to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders in the Nigerian electricity sector.

Dogara, shortly after performing the ceremonial tee-off along other dignitaries told NAN that the tournament was a good platform for stakeholders to cross fertilise ideas on the way forward for the energy sector.

“This tournament is not just for entertainment but for stakeholders to come together, not just to play golf but for contemplation.

“Because a golf course is a place for contemplation, you meet and interact with people in the course of the sport, unlike football or basketball or any other game.

“This is a game that is engaging in terms of intellectual reflection, physical exercise and generally about togetherness,” he said.

The former speaker stressed the need for all stakeholders to synergise and find a lasting solution to the energy crises in the country.

“Certainly you know that power supply is an issue, we are talking about transiting from a consumer nation to a production nation.

“We all know that without adequate power supply we cannot achieve this, am also a farmer and I know what lack of electricity or the energy crises has caused me at the farm.

“We need to look outside the box for this problem and it’s part of the things we will be engaging with leaders and organisers of this event,” he said.

Earlier, Adetunji Adeyeye, the Coordinator of the tournament told NAN that the event will avail industry stakeholders the platform to engage in a relaxed atmosphere on the way forward for the sector.

Adeyeye who is a market specialist and power generator, stressed the need for more investment in the sector and ensuring efficient service delivery across the value chain.

“The golf tournament is a forum and a platform to bring all stakeholders within the Nigerian power sector to have conversations, strategise and engage informally to drive at the efficiency that we seek for in our power sector.

“You know, the power sector is very core and germain part of our national development.

“Majorly, this forum, the golf platform gives us a really immense and huge opportunity to engage with lots of our customers across the board and across different chains of the sector to get feedback.

“So it’s a platform for fusion of conversation both about our service delivery as well as how to improve generally,” he said.

NAN reports that the tournament will be rounded off with a gala dinner on Saturday and prizes presented to winners in the different categories. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

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