Eight golfers emerged winners in various categories on Wednesday at the 70th Birthday Kitty organised in honour of the Emir of Lafia, Retired Justice Sidi Bage, at the Lafia Golf Club, Nasarawa State.
Golfers from Lafia and Makurdi clubs competed for honours in the tournament, with winners carting home prizes in different categories.
In the men’s category, Ibrahim Abdullahi of Lafia Golf Club won the Best Gross prize, while Godwin Ikwe of Makurdi Golf Club claimed the Best Net title with a gross score of 66 and a net score of 63.
Ikwe also won the Longest Drive and Nearest-to-the-Pin awards in the men’s category.
Ibrahim Adamu emerged runner-up in the net category with a gross score of 80 and a net score of 68.
In the ladies’ category, Salome Aya won the Best Net prize with a gross score of 105 and a net score of 69, while Dorcas Malle clinched the Best Gross award with a gross score of 85.
Malle also won the Nearest-to-the-Pin prize in the ladies’ category.
Precious Shimmer emerged runner-up net with a gross score of 105 and a net score of 69 and also won the Longest Drive award.
The three female winners are members of the Lafia Golf Club.
In the veterans’ category, Balarabe Muhammad of Lafia Golf Club won the Best Net prize with a gross score of 102 and a net score of 74, while Tsegba of Makurdi Golf Club emerged runner-up net with a gross score of 97 and a net score of 82.
Speaking after the tournament, the Emir of Lafia congratulated the winners and commended all participants for honouring him through the game of golf.
Bage, who is also the Chairman of the Nasarawa State Traditional Rulers Council, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the club and promoting the sport in the state.
He particularly praised the Sangarin Dedere, Balarabe Saad-Muhammad, for his dedication to the game, noting that his victory in the veterans’ category reflected his determination to master the sport.
The Emir said golf offered immense health benefits, especially for elderly people, adding that he had encouraged traditional rulers in the state to take up the sport.
According to him, regular participation in golf would help improve physical fitness and reduce frequent visits to hospitals.
“I encouraged other traditional rulers to come and most of them are playing almost at the same level.
“Today he is winning prizes, we are really proud of him; this is a very good sign for us,” he said.
Also speaking, Thadeus Yilmen, North-Central Representative on the Nigerian Golf Federation (NGF), said the Emir was highly respected in Nigeria’s golfing community because of his contributions to the development of the Lafia Golf Club.
Yilmen disclosed that the federation was considering a special recognition for the Emir in appreciation of his support for the growth of golf.
“When I saw the flyer sent to me by the captain, I forwarded it to the President of the NGF and informed him that I was coming to Lafia to support the event,” he said.
Earlier, Mr Tony Effa, Captain of the Lafia Golf Club, described the Emir as a role model and passionate golfer whose support had contributed immensely to the growth of the club.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by Godwin Ashikeni on behalf of the veterans and Balarabe Saad-Muhammad on behalf of the state’s traditional rulers.