Isaiah Okonofua, over the weekend, won the 2022 15th Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor’s Cup of Golf held at the IBB Golf and Country Club, Abuja.
160 players starred in the 15th edition of 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 14 handicap with a gross score of 81 and a net of 67, finished as the overall winner of the cup competition. Mohammed Suleiman, playing with a 4 handicap with a net of 79, emerged as the men’s gross winner, while Julius Fadairo, who played with a 7 handicap, finished as first runner-up with a net of 85.
VO Adedipe won the men’s division 1 category (0-10 handicap) with 81 gross and an impressive 72 net. SO Sanya finished as the first runner-up in the category, playing in handicap 6 with 81 gross and 75 net.
Speaking after receiving his trophy, an emotional Okonofua said: “I thank God, who made it possible for me to be a celebrated champion today. I’ve been waiting for a day like this for four years, when I started playing golf, even though I haven’t been playing regularly.
“It was a big challenge not playing all the time because every time I come back from wherever I’ve traveled, it’s like starting over. The game of golf needs you to be consistent otherwise you will be left behind.
“This victory will motivate and inspire me to do bigger things and win more trophies in the future,” he said.
R. Uje-Eje, playing with a 30 handicap with 90 gross and 69 net, won the CBN Staff category, while K. Uwokike (24 handicap) settled for second place, with 100 gross and 76 net.
There were also awards for the best Veteran Ladies, Veteran Men, Retired CBN Staff, CBN Guests, and CBN Staff, among others.
In his words, CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele, represented by the team’s Deputy Governor of Corporate Services, Mr. Edward Adamu, said that “since the first edition in 2007, the tournament has helped strengthen the spirit of friendship and interaction between participants. and organizers, thus creating an atmosphere of relaxation and recreation among golfers.
“This competition also provides the bank with an important opportunity for feedback from golfers and elite members of the public on CBN policies and initiatives, with focus on how they impact the national economy and overall 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, IBB International Golf and Country Club, Mike Onoja Ekoja, noted that golfers came from across the federation for the event, adding that the club was delighted to be associated with the prestigious tournament.
