The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Golf Club yesterday 29 July 2023 held special Golf Tournament in honour of her immediate past Grand Patron, Maj Gen IM Yusuf, and Patron, AVM Abidoye, as well as the current Grand Patron, Maj Gen JO Ochai, and Patron, AVM SK Aneke, at the NDA Golf Course, Ribadu Cantonment, Kaduna.
Declaring the tournament open, the Special Guest of Honour (SGOH) and Commandant NDA, Maj Gen JO Ochai, represented by the Deputy Commandant, AVM SK Aneke who “Teed Off” the tournament to signify its official commencement, disclosed that the event was aimed at honouring the immediate past patrons and officially induct the new patrons, respectively.</p>
AVM Aneke described Golf as a relaxing game with many health benefits, especially among aged people, noting that this was responsible for the increased interest and participation in the sport recently. He further revealed that the Commandant NDA has formulated plans towards repositioning the NDA Golf Club into an organisation renowned for the highest international standards.
Also speaking, the Captain of NDA Golf Club, Gp Capt IB Musa, who was flanked by his assistant Lady Captain, Lt (NN) MA Balogun, enumerated motivation, passion and personal sacrifices as their driving force towards achieving the set goals of the NDA Golf Club. He also added that playing Golf helps in physical development and mental well-being, amongst other benefits. He therefore encouraged military personnel and civilians who are currently non-Golfers to take the opportunity to embrace golf, in order to unwind after rigorous work in their various offices.
The special tournament drew participants and representatives of various Golf Clubs from across the federation. Some of the Clubs represented include Tukur Yusuf Buratai (TYB) Golf Club, represented by Maj Gen M Bello; Nigeria Golf Federation (Abuja), represented by AVM SD Solomon; and Martin Lurther Agwai International Leadership and Peace Keeping Centre Jaji Kaduna, represented by its Captain, Brig Gen OG Onubogu.
The event has 96 participants in 3 categories, comprising the Lady category, Veterans category and Men category.
At the close of the tournament, the SGOH commended the Captain of the NDA Golf Club and the organisers for their efforts in making the event a huge success.
He thanked every participant, especially those professionals that graced the occasion from different parts of the country.
On his part, the Captain of NDA Golf Club, Gp Capt IB Musa, while delivering the Vote of Thanks on behalf of NDA Golf Patrons, expressed appreciation to the various participants and dignitaries who took part in the tournament and wished them a safe journey back to their various destinations.
Some dignitaries present at the event include the immediate past Academy Registrar (AR), Brig Gen AG Mahmuda, the present Academy Registrar, Brig Gen AM Tukur, Lt Col JA Omale from Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim Golf Club, Alhaji Hassan Adamu, Patron of Zaria Golf Club, as well as the Captain of Kaduna Golf Club, Kenneth Nwankwo and others.
The NDA Golf Club was established in 1988 initially to train NDA cadets in the elite sport and to instill the spirit of sportsmanship and physical development amongst them.
Since then however, the Golf Club has expended beyond the initial scope and has witnessed increasing participation, especially among the military officers, personnel, civilians and other professionals across the country.
The highlight of today’s tournament was the presentation of awards to the Overall Best Player, Bawa Umar of Kaduna Golf Club, and the presentation of other awards in the different categories to deserving winners.
