IBADAN – The 29th Edition of the Tiger Amateur Golf Championship & Pro Invitational Open held at the Tiger Golf Course, 2 Division Nigerian Army Headquarters, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ojoo Ibadan has been described as the best and most successful tournament ever with over 300 golfers across the country and 25 Professionals.
Dignitaries in attendance at the final of the Open include the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde who was represented by the Honorable Commissioner for Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Williams Akin-Funmilayo, his political ally, Otunba Seye Famojuro, the state Chiarman of Housing Corporation, Hon Ademola Omotosho, the former Chief of Army Staff, who also served in President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet as the Minister of the interior, Lt. General Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (Rtd), among others.
Addressing journalists shortly after the completion of the tournament, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Obinna Godwin Onubogu, linked the successful outcome of the tournament to the peaceful atmosphere in the country, stressing that it will be very difficult for the participants that flew in from different parts of the country to participate in the championship if the peaceful atmosphere enjoying in the country is compromised.
He noted that the essence of the tournament is to support the general well-being of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, as well to further cement the relationship between the military and the civilians.
Onubogu maintained that Tiger Golf Club serves as a platform to engage with the wider civilian community, emphasizing that sporting activities, especially golf game is an endearing game that brings people together.
He said, “Many Officers are golfers, and the game provides an opportunity for them to bond and relax. This Tiger Golf Club has been in existence since 1990, and has been entertaining people for over 14 years.
“This year’s edition was the biggest so far, with over 25 professionals and 350 amateur golfers participating.”
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He assured that the 2 Division Nigerian Army is committed to ensuring the security and safety of everyone during the Yuletide season.
“The success of the tournament is a testament to the peaceful atmosphere in the country. Security is a collective responsibility, and everyone should contribute to maintaining peace and stability.
“The 2 Division Nigerian Army has put in place all necessary measures to ensure security and safety during the Yuletide season. We are committed to ensuring that people can move freely and enjoy themselves.
“We are partnering with other security agencies to ensure we have a peaceful yuletide season especially in our catchment areas.”
Onubogu however expressed his appreciation to all the participants, sponsors, and supporters who made the 29th edition of the tournament a success event.
He also called on all golf enthusiasts to wait for the 2025 edition, which promises to be even bigger and better.
In his remarks, the Chairman Local Organizing Committee, Arch. Olumuyiwa Omitowoju maintained that the Tiger Golf open has been collective labour of dedication, expertise, and expression of passion for the golf game.
He lauded the performance of the Pro Invitational and 25 skilled professionals who had showcased their skills at its finest.
Omitowju also commended all the participants, sponsors, and supporters who contributed to successful outing of the 29th Tiger Open.
Earlier in his welcome address, The Captain of the Tiger Golf Club, Alhaji Oluwagbenga Zubair appreciated the Patron of Club, Major General Obinna Onubogu for his unwavering support towards the successful hosting of the tournament.
He hinted that the club has witnessed significant development strides particularly on the golf course saying that it can be seen in the expansion of the greens, creation on new bunkers, redesign of Hole 6 which was sponsored by Mr Rasheed Adigun and Hole 15 which will be the longest par 5 in West Africa also sponsored by Mr Dapo Adeleke after completion.
Highlights of the event featured band performance by the 2 Division Nigerian Army band, awards, prize and certificate of participation were presented to the participants of the tournament.
While the winners for the Pro Invitational Tournament 2024 are; First Position Pro Abdulrasaq Lamidi, Second Position Pro Adekunle Monday, and the Third position Pro Bulus James among others went home with mouthwatering prizes.