From Esther Akaa, Lafia
The first Lafia Ladies Open Golf Tournament came to an end Sunday with amateur, Amina Wilfred of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida International Golf Club, Abuja emerging winner of the tournament.
Wilfred who emerged the over all winner in the main event, Ladies Handicap (0-28) category with a final score of 155, defeated her closest rival, Racheal Danjuma who finished with 163, held in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.
The Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr Abdullahi Sule, while presenting awards to winners of the tournament, congratulated them for emerging victorious at the competition.
Governor Sule, represented by his deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe expressed satisfaction at the performance of the golfers, saying the success of the tournament was due to the collective effort of everyone involved.
“I want to congratulate the organisers of this event fo attracting all the ladies golfers that are here today and their male counterpart that also came. We hoped you have all enjoyed yourselves and also enjoyed our beautiful golf course.
“I want to promise you that this will not be the last of its kind. When the Lady Captain came to intimate us about this tournament, we gave our full support and we are also considering how we can support you with regards to your club house,” he said.
He reassured of his administration’s commitment to sports development in the state and charged the public to embrace the game of golf for their physical and mental well-being.
Speaking with journalists, winner of the tournament, Amina Wilfred dedicated her victory to God and promised to continue to work hard, in order to win more tournaments, as well as become a professional.
“When I came here on friday, I said let me go and train on the golf course for the tournament because I was determined to win this first Lafia Ladies Open and with God by my side, i won it.
“I thank all those who supported and encouraged me. I also thank the Lafia Golf Club Lady Captain for her support, the Nasarawa state government and other sponsors of this new tournament.
“Despite the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic and the economic downturn, the lady captain still managed to successfully make this open tournament a reality. I appreciate her effort because she really tried. She is a good ambassador of sport,” she said.
Also speaking, Captain of Makurdi Golf club, Engr Michael Vaatia commended the Lafia Golf club and the Nasarawa state government for putting up an impressive tournament.
“Golf is a game that both the private sector and the state government should partner together and make sure that this game is developed.
“The game of golf is a money spinner. So this game should be encouraged. It is a game that can be played at any age. I am 68 but I can still play golf and I am fit” he said.
He called on both public and private sectors to put in more resources, in order to encourage the game and attract more people to join.
On her part, Lady Captain, Lafia Golf Club, Mrs Asibi Omeri-Ogabo thanked Governor Sule for the support given to the club to host the tournament which she described as a huge success.
She called on interested persons to register and become members of golf club for their physical and mental well-being.
The Voice reports that about 200 amateur golfers, both female and male participated in various events at the 18 hole Lafia Golf Course and prizes were given to winners.