The IBB Golf and Country Club came alive at the weekend, as Isaiah Okonofua was declared winner of the 2022 Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor’s Golf Cup.
A total 160 players featured in the one-day competition decided in a ‘stroke play – shot gun’ format, with all the golfers teeing-off at the same time, but from different points on the golf course.
Okonofua, playing off handicap 14 with a gross score of 81 and a net of 67, finished as the overall winner of the cup competition. Mohammed Suleiman playing off handicap 4 with a net of 79 emerged as men’s gross winner, while Julius Fadairo, who played with a handicap of 7, finished as first runner-up with a net of 85.
The men’s division 1 (handicap 0-10) category was won by V.O Adedipe with 81 gross and an impressive 72 net. S.O. Sanya finished as first runner-up in the category, playing off handicap 6 with 81 gross and 75 net.
Okonofua said after receiving his trophy: “I thank God, who made it possible for me to be a celebrated champion today. I have been hoping for a day like this for four years now, when I started playing golf, even though I have not been playing regularly.
“It was a major challenge not playing always because each time I come back from wherever I have travelled to, it’s like starting all over again. The game of golf needs you to be consistent otherwise you will be left behind.
“This win will motivate and inspire me to do greater things and win more trophies in future.”
R. Uje-Eje, playing off handicap 30 with a gross score of 90 and net 69 won the CBN Staff category, while K. Uwokike (handicap 24) settled for second position, with a gross score of 100 and net of 76.
There were also prizes for best veteran ladies, veteran men, CBN retired staff, CBN guest and CBN staff, among others.
CBN Deputy Governor, Corporate Services, Mr. Edward Adamu, who stood in for the Governor, Godwin Emefiele said: “from the first edition in 2007, the tournament has helped to strengthen the spirit of friendship and interaction among participants and organizers, thereby creating an atmosphere of relaxation and recreation among golfers.
“This competition also provides the bank important feedback opportunities from golfers and elite members of the public on the policies and initiatives of the CBN, with attention on how they impact on the national economy and general growth of the nation. The bank has shown consistency in its effort to promote the game of golf and other sports in the country.”
Captain of IBB International Golf and Country Club, Mike Onoja Ekoja, noted that the golfers came from all over the federation for the event, adding that the club was delighted to be associated with the prestige tournament.