IBOM GOLF HOSTS NIGER DELTA SPORTS FESTIVAL KITTY
Barely one week after hosting about 250 players in a two-day Captain’s Inaugural Tournament, Ibom Golf Course on Saturday, April 5, hosted over 100 players in the Niger Delta Sports Festival Golf Kitty.
In his brief remarks, the Co-chairman, Niger Delta Sports Festival, Mr. Itiako Ikpokpo, hinted that golf will be included in the next edition of the competition.
Mr Ikpokpo, who spoke shortly before performing the Tee-off, noted that apart from its health and economic benefits, golf can easily give players global recognition, adding that it aligns with the aim of the Niger Delta Sports Festival.
While appreciating the host of the Golf Kitty, Ibom Golf and Country Club, Mr Ikpokpo, assured that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was committed to raising a new generation of sport stars from the region, noting that statistics show that the region has consistently led in producing stars in the country.
“What we are doing is raising new talents for the next generation. We have seen that we are short of stars. Over the years, Niger Delta has produced the highest number of stars in this country. In the next edition, we will make golf a part of the festival because outside the fun and leisure it offers, it keeps our people in the global light,” said.
On his part, the Captain of Ibom Golf and Country Club, Mr Isuamfon Archibong, noted that Ibom Golf was becoming a destination in the country, saying “We have 103 players playing in the kitty today despite the short notice. It shows how excited we about golf in Akwa Ibom. So, we thank the NDDC for including this in her programme”.
Mr Archibong specially acknowledged and commended the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr Onofiok Onofiok and his team, for putting up an excellent competition within a very short time.
In their separate remarks at the closing ceremony and prize presentation, Engr Akan Udi, and the immediate past Captain of Ibom Golf and Country Club, Hon Usenobong Akpabio, commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for sponsoring the Kitty while soliciting for a sustained partnership between the Commission and the Club.
At the end of the kitty, the following winners were announced; Esther Thompson, winner, Longest Drive (Ladies); Franklin Isong, winner, Longest Drive Men; Blessing Michael, winner, Nearest to the Pin (Ladies); and Offiong Abia, winner, Nearest to the Pin (Men).
In the Veteran Category, Bar Victor Iyanam, 3rd place winner; Engr Akan Udi, 2nd place winner; and Bar Uwem Ekanem as 1st place winner.
In the Ladies’ Category; Handicap 29-36, Lady May Edmund, 3rd place winner; Timi Rowland, 2nd place winner; and Mrs Agnes Akpan, 1st place winner. Esther Thompson won Handicap 0-28, while Blessing Michael won Best Gross (Ladies).
In the Mens’ Category; Handicap 23-28, Anietie Ekong, 3rd place winner; Idongesit Ntekpere, 2nd place winner; and David Ebong, 1st place winner. Handicap 13-22, Anthony Isonguyo, 3rd place winner; William Iyoho, 2nd place winner, and Godwin Udofia, 1st place winner.
The winners in Mens’ Handicap 0-12 were Barr Edidiong Idiong, 3rd place; Udeme Eset,
2nd pace; and Dr Usoroh Akpanusoh, 1st place.
Bar Usenobong Akpabio won Best Gross (Men), while Mr Iniobong Akai was declared the overall winner of the Kitty.
