Bonny island: Adebowale Oyelahan, Murtala Saleh, Lady Captain Nnenna Ahube, and Abigail Ikuifisile were standout performers at Captain Michael Chidi (MC) Ukaegbu’s Inaugural Golf Tournament and 50th Birthday Championship held at the Bonny Island Golf Club (BIGC).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the two-day tournament was organized to honor 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 secured the Men’s Division One title with a net score of 70, narrowly defeating Wilson Sapele on countback. Murtala Saleh claimed the Men’s Best Gross prize and finished third overall with a net score of 71. Oyelahan expressed his delight at winning the championship, attributing his success to discipline, preparation, and consistency.
In the Men’s Division Two category, Oludare Oyegbami emerged victorious with 73 nett, surpassing Temitayo Ogunjoju with 75 nett and Sonny Fombo with 77 nett. In the Ladies Division One category, past BIGC Lady Captain Nnenna Ahube dominated with 66 nett, ahead of Kafayat Bamimore and Lucy Eyo. Ahube also took the Ladies Overall Best Gross title with a score of 84 gross.
Ahube expressed satisfaction with her performance, describing the tournament as one of the club’s most successful events. She noted that the large turnout reflected the goodwill and respect Ukaegbu enjoys within and outside the club. Ahube added that the event fostered friendship, healthy competition, and celebration among golfers.
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. In the Guest Men category, Stephen Oniavi won 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.
Osuchukwu commended Ukaegbu for his leadership and highlighted the success of the tournament as a fitting celebration of Ukaegbu’s inauguration and birthday. She pledged the support of the ladies’ section toward the development of golf at the club.
In his closing remarks, Ukaegbu expressed appreciation to members, guests, sponsors, and the organizing committee for their contributions to the success of the event. He thanked the club’s executive committee, tournament committee, and volunteers for their dedication and acknowledged the support of sponsors and stakeholders.
Ukaegbu pledged to focus on unity, inclusiveness, and the growth of the game, aiming to take BIGC to greater heights. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Lady Judith Finsky Ukaegbu, wife of the club captain, sponsored gifts presented to winners and provided support packages during the celebration, which participants praised as a thoughtful contribution to the success of the event.