Oyegun @ 80 Golf Tourney: Chief Osawaru wins first title, Awiaka adds to trophy gallery
ABIODUN JIMOH, BENIN CITY
Chief Lucky Osawaru has won his first major title by proving the bookmakers wrong at the Chief John Odigie-Oyegun @ 80 golf tournament held over the weekend at Benin club golf section (BCGS), course, GRA, Benin-City.
Also, Princess Nkiruka Awiaka, ex-lady captain continued her dominance in the ladies section with 74 net to emerge winner ahead of ex-lady captain, Suwadetu Mahmud (78 net), and lady captain, Princess Habiibah Oyeghe Oyarekhua (82 net) as they placed second and third respectively.
The one day golf tournament that featured over 150 golfers across the country was organised by Edo State government in honour of Chief Oyegun, the first executive governor of the state, and immediate past National Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC).
Chief Osawaru (hcp 28), played a net score of 74 in the men’s category to beat vice captain, Mayer Ologbosere and Hon. V. Emuakhagbon who played 75 net respectively to second and third place. Osaze Iyare (hcp 3), won the gross award with 78 gross.
Other categories winners are Professor Josephine Mokwunyei (86 net), and Sir. Tony Aghedo (72 net) in the veteran ladies and men’s category respectively, while the super veteran men trophy went to S. Asemota (81 net). Dame Julie-Okha Donli (103 net), and Anthony Unaworho (76 net)
won the special guests ladies and men’s category.
However, the guests ladies and men’s trophies went to UBTH golfers, Sandra Emina, lady captain, (74 net) and Smith Iredia (69 net), while A. Oghogho won the best gross award with 79 gross.
In his address, BCGS Captain, Prince Aghatise Erediauwa, represented by vice captain used the occasion to apologise for hundreds of balls that have landed in Chief Oyegun compound over the years. “We have threatened the errant golfers with all kinds of punishment, but they won’t listen. Your patience in this is just another of the reasons for which you are so appreciated.”
Also, Chief Oyegun thanked God and expressed delight that He has kept him alive to celebrate 80 years in good health. “Most of my friends are golfers and they chose to celebrate with me this way. I thank them all, Benin Club, and the Edo State government for backing and funding this competition. This is a great honour to me at 80 years.”
In the same vein, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, the state deputy governor said: “We chose to celebrate Oyegun with this golf tournament because golf is a game of life and friendship. Thank God for his life. As a government, we will continue to tap from his experience.”
