By Victor Okoye
The Minister of Sports, Sen. John Owan-Enoh and other top government functionaries are expected to participate in the ceremonial tee-off of the 2024 IBB Independence Cup tournament on Tuesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the week-long tournament which began on Sept. 24 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja is expected to end on Tuesday.
Ibrahim Babayo, the Captain of the club told NAN that all was now set for the grand finale of the tournament which was won last year by Nigeria’s Philip Poroma.
Babayo said that the tournament which is the club’s yearly event, was aimed at celebrating the country’s independence anniversary.
He noted that no fewer than five countries were taking part in the 18-hole tournament, including Ghana, Cameroon, Uganda, Rwanda the host country, Nigeria.
“The week-long Nigeria @ 64 independence golf tournament which started last week will finally climax on Tuesday with over 250 golfers slugging it out in the 18-hole contest.
“Among events that took place in the last six days include – Staff and Caddies competition, Ladies handicap 28 and above, Men’s handicap 19 and above, Veterans and Super Veterans competition.
“Other events that took place were the Ladies handicap 11 to 27 and Men’s handicap 11 to 18, double matchplay as well as single matchplay between host Nigeria, Uganda, Cameroon, Ghana and Rwanda.
“On Tuesday, the first day of October, members of the club who are within handicap 0 to 10 will compete to know who will go home with the Independence anniversary trophy.
“Apart from using the tournament to celebrate Nigeria’s independence anniversary, the tournament matchplay among invited countries is to market the country positively to the world,” he said.
James Agbonhese, Chairman of the Organising Committee and the Vice Captain of the club, said all arrangements had been concluded to make the day a memorable one.
“Sports Minister, Sen. Owan-Enoh, other top government functionaries will be around for the ceremonial tee-off of the competition on Tuesday morning.
“We are using this tournament as a platform to celebrate Nigeria, as we don’t have any other country to call our own.
“Sponsors, veterans and super veterans are expected to take part in the 18-hole event.
“Highlights of the day will include presentations of trophies and gifts to the winners and cutting of anniversary cake,” he said. (NAN
