The Uganda High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Nelson Ocheger has commended the Nigerian Golf and Tour Group that was on a golfing tour of Uganda. He made this commendation during the prize presentation ceremony at the end of the Group’s Two-Day Golf Tournament that began at the Serena Golf Course and ended at the Ugandan Golf Club in Kampala.
Ocheger stressed that the much-desired integration of Africa can best be achieved through physical interactions amongst Africans as demonstrated through the historic visit to Uganda by members of the Golf and Tour Group Nigeria. He also encouraged Nigerians and Ugandans to identify areas of possible investments in both countries and get involved in collective socio-economic prosperity.
Speaking at the occasion, the leader of the Group, Air Vice Marshal Clement Aroriode (Rtd) thanked the government and the leadership of the Ugandan Golfing Union, Captains of the various Golf Clubs as well as their members for accepting to host the Golf & Tour Group Nigeria. He applauded the Ugandan golfing community for the warm reception accorded the Group. He noted that himself and the members of the Group really had an exciting and memorable time visiting and playing in three different golf courses in Uganda.
The Nigeria Group played both in the Golf Club in Kampala, established in 1908 and Serena Golf & Country Resort as well as at the Entebbe Golf Course, established in 1901. Expressing appreciation on behalf of the Nigeria Group, Deputy Leader, Rear Admiral Goddy Ayankpele thanked the Captain of the Uganda Golf Club, Kampala for their hospitality. He appreciated the leadership of the Group, including the Coordinator, Major General David Ahamdu (Rtd). He also commended the Group’s International Coordinator, Major General Adamu Jidda (Rtd) for his dedication, commitment and tireless efforts put in to ensuring the smooth conduct of the maiden edition of the Group’s international tour.
Some of the dignitaries that graced the occasion included the President, Uganda Golf Union, Moses Matsiko; Secretary, Anthony Agaba; immediate past president, Uganda Ladies Golf Union, Anne Abeja; Captain, Uganda Golf Club Kampala, Emmanuel Wamala and Lady Captain, Entebbe Golf Club, Jovia Tugume.
Prizes were presented at the occasion to members of the Golf and Tour Group Nigeria. Amongst the winners were Dr Ademola Makinde who emerged the overall Champion, Major General O.W. Ali (Rtd), Runner up Net; Mr Hassaan Mundu, First Runner Up Net; Major General Habila Vintenaba (Rtd), 2nd Runner Up Net and Brigadier General Mustapha Onoyiveta (Rtd), who won the Tournament’s Best Gross Trophy. Major General Chukwuemeka Abraham (Rtd) won the Closest to the Pin and Brigadier General David Lubo (Rtd) won the Longest Drive.
In a related development, the Group also participated in the Stanbic Entebbe Open sponsored by Stanbic Bank, Uganda. The Tournament which was played over a four-day period, saw the Golf & Tour Group members participating in the amateur category. One of the Group’s members, Major General Godwin Umelo (Rtd) was the winner of the Category C event.
Established in 2021, the Golf and Tour Group Nigeria is a non-governmental organization, non-partisan, and non-profit making golfing entity. The main objective of the Group is to foster golfing unity and advance the game of golf in Nigeria. The Group also embarks on humanitarian activities by reaching out to orphanages in the host communities during their tours. Members of the Golf and Tour Group Nigeria were in Uganda from 29th October to 5th November 2023. The Group has since returned to Nigeria with sweet memories of Uganda.
