By Kazeem Waris
Former Head of Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC), Chief Mrs Ngozi Osuhor, has called on more women to embrace golf, describing the sport as a powerful avenue for physical fitness, good health, personal development and social connection, as she marked 35 years of active participation in the game.
Osuhor made the call at a special celebration tournament organised in her honour at Lafia Golf Club, Nasarawa State, on Sunday, where Hole 4 of the club was dedicated to her in recognition of her longstanding commitment to the sport and her attachment to the club.
The occasion attracted family members, friends and golfers from different parts of the country, who gathered to celebrate the veteran golfer’s remarkable journey and contribution to the golfing community.
Expressing delight at the honour, Osuhor said the celebration was particularly meaningful because it brought together people who had shared in her golfing journey over the years.
“I’m very happy that they’ve allowed me to celebrate it with them,” she said, expressing appreciation for the warmth and support of the golfing community.
With 35 years of experience on the greens, Osuhor said golf offers numerous benefits, particularly for women, and encouraged them to overcome any reservations about taking up the sport.She stressed that golf helps build physical strength, promotes healthy living and provides opportunities for meaningful relationships, insisting that women from all backgrounds should be encouraged to participate.
Her connection with Lafia dates back to her days in the electricity distribution sector, when she served in a leadership capacity with the then Jos electricity distribution company under the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).
During her tenure, she oversaw electricity distribution operations across Nasarawa, Benue and neighbouring states, a responsibility that brought her closer to the region and eventually strengthened her relationship with Lafia.
Reflecting on the growth of Lafia Golf Club, Osuhor expressed satisfaction with its transformation, saying the facility had witnessed remarkable improvements and deserved continued investment.
“Lafia Golf Club is beautiful. I can’t believe that it has moved so much, and I am hoping that moving forward, better things will happen,” she said.
She also pledged to support the further beautification of the hole dedicated to her, promising to transform it from its present brown appearance into a green and attractive golfing landscape.
Speaking at the event, the Captain of Lafia Golf Club, Engr. Tony Effa, described the facility as an increasingly important destination for golfers across the country, attributing its appeal to its strategic location and serene environment.
Effa called on stakeholders, corporate organisations and golf enthusiasts to invest in the club’s development, stressing the need to upgrade its facilities to meet international standards.
He noted that the club’s growing appeal provided an opportunity to position Lafia as a major destination on Nigeria’s golfing calendar.
As part of the ceremony, the club captain presented a commemorative plaque to Osuhor in recognition of her dedication to golf and affection for Lafia Golf Club. The celebrant also presented an award to Effa in appreciation of his role and commitment to the club.
Jackson, Ikwe emerge men’s category winners
The tournament, which attracted golfers from clubs across the country, produced exciting contests in the various categories.
Akpode Jackson emerged winner of the men’s best net category, playing off handicap 11, with a gross score of 77 and a net score of 66.
Godwin Ikwe claimed the men’s best gross prize after returning a gross score of 74 while playing off handicap 3.
In the men’s category, RM Aminu of the Nigerian Defence Academy Golf Club finished third runner-up, while Ibrahim Abdullahi of Lafia Golf Club secured second runner-up honours. Abdullahi, playing off handicap 4, recorded a gross score of 77 and a net score of 67, winning on countback.
Malle leads ladies’ category
In the ladies’ category, Dorcas Malle claimed the best gross prize with a gross score of 82 and a net score of 68 while playing off handicap 14.
Patience Abechi of Theophilus Danjuma Golf Club, Abuja, finished first runner-up after recording a gross score of 85 off handicap 12.
Salome Aya, playing off handicap 35, secured second runner-up honours with a gross score of 100 and a net score of 65.
Dabang shines in veterans’ category
In the veterans’ category, Latep Dabang emerged winner of the best net prize after returning a gross score of 79 and a net score of 66 while playing off handicap 13.
Beyond the trophies and celebrations, the tournament served as a tribute to a woman whose 35-year journey in golf has been marked by passion, friendship and commitment to the sport.
For Osuhor, however, the milestone was also an opportunity to inspire a new generation, particularly women, to discover the benefits of golf and become part of its growing community.
Editorial note: I have retained the names, scores, handicaps and quotations supplied in your report while strengthening the headline, lead, transitions and front-page news angle. I have also avoided adding unverified quotations or achievements.
