RIVERS STATE GOVERNMENT AWARDS SCHOLARSHIP TO MISS CHRISTY OBOMANU ASSISI FOR EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE IN GOLF

The Rivers State Government has pledged a scholarship award to Miss Christy Obomanu-Assisi for winning a gold medal at the just concluded 5th Dr. Awa Ibrahim junior Golf championship Championship in Lagos.

Making this public, Rivers State Sport Commissioner, Hon. Boma Iyaye revealed that Miss Obomanu-Assisi was being rewarded for earlier winning a bronze medal at the National youth games at Ilorin, Kwara State in September 2018.

Christy Obomanu-Assisi, Winner of the 5th Dr. Awa Ibrahim junior Golf championship With Mr Boma Iyaye Hon Commissioner For Sports Rivers State

Hon. Iyaye while receiving the gold trophy from Miss Obomanu- Assisi commended her for exploits recorded in coming out tops in a field that included 144 other competitors.

The Hon. Commissioner also noted that the Rivers State Government has resolved to reward athletes who make the state proud in other competitions

New Rugby Africa Gold Cup’s Perpetual Trophy Unveiled Today At International Sports Press Association Congress in Brussels

Symbolizing the access to the Rugby World Cup 2019, the trophy will be awarded to the winner of this summer’s Rugby Africa Gold Cup

The New Rugby Africa Gold Cup perpetual trophy (a Rugby World Cup qualifier) was officially unveiled Tuesday at the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) Congress in Brussels by Abdelaziz Bougja, Chairman of World Rugby’s African association, Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com), and by Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, Founder and CEO of APO Group (www.APO-opa.org), the main Official Partner of Rugby Africa.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by Gianni Merlo, President of AIPS and by Mitchell Obi, President of AIPS Africa, and took place in front of an audience of more than 400 sports journalists gathered in Brussels for the AIPS Congress, the largest sport media events worldwide.

Abdelaziz Bougja; Chairman of World Rugby’s African association and Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard; Founder & CEO of APO group unveiling the new Rugby Africa Gold Cup’s perpetual trophy during the 81st AIPS congress at Le Plaza Hotel on May 8, 2018 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Jorge Luis Alvarez Pupo/Getty Images for APO Group

Handmade by Swatkins (www.Swatkins.com), Great Britain’s leading Trophy, Award and Silverware manufacturer since 1898, the Rugby Africa Gold Cup is a magnificent Gold Plated Perpetual Trophy Cup, designed and crafted with elegance, prestige and beauty. Standing at a height of 47 centimeters (18.5 inches) and weighing 3.3 kilograms, this Supreme Award features a smooth Georgian bodied design, complete with delicately patterned handles, an impressive stepped lid that is supplied complete with a circular solid African Mahogany base – this Trophy Cup is a pure masterpiece. The Trophy has been expertly engraved with the text ‘Rugby Africa Gold Cup’ and has the shape of Africa in pride of place on the main body. To complete, on the gold plated plinth band this holds the names of the 17 previous winners. It’s estimated there is enough space for – at least – seventy (70) more winning teams’ names to be engraved on the base of the perpetual trophy.

The New Rugby Africa Gold Cup perpetual trophy has been created to embody with elegance and beauty, rugby’s values of Integrity, Respect, Solidarity, Passion and Discipline which inspire millions of people to play this game.

The Rugby Africa Gold Cup flight case has been especially designed by Flightcase Warehouse, Great Britain’s leading flight case manufacturer. The fully custom Spider Flight Case has been designed with strength and durability in mind. It is a strong and lightweight 7mm Astroboard flight case construction, complete with Steel corners and aluminum extrusions, filled with internal padding foam, with a cut to shape outline of the Trophy. There is a personalized aluminum plate on the Trophy Flight case with engraving “Rugby Africa Gold Cup”.

Speaking at the unveiling, Abdelaziz Bougja, Chairman of Rugby Africa, said: “The Rugby Africa Gold Cup trophy is the highest reward for any African rugby player and presenting this most symbolic perpetual trophy for the first time at the International Sports Press Association’ Congress and the European capital is an amazing experience in the lifetime. This perpetual trophy will honor African rugby players for generations to come. A special thank you to APO Group and its Founder, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, for providing us with such an iconic piece”.

Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, Founder and CEO of APO Group, the main Official Partner of Rugby Africa, said: “We couldn’t dream of a better opportunity than the AIPS Congress to reveal the trophy. Being able to unveil the trophy during the largest sport media events worldwide, not only enhance the visibility of African rugby but also continue to grow the Rugby Africa identity across the world. This event marks the beginning of a great competition season”.

From left to right Obi Mitchell; president of AIPS Africa , Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard; Founder & CEO of APO group and Gianni Merlo; President of AIPS signing the partnership agreement during the 81st AIPS congress at Le Plaza Hotel on May 8, 2018 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Jorge Luis Alvarez Pupo/Getty Images for APO Group) [1]

Symbolizing the victory and the access to the Rugby World Cup 2019, the trophy will be awarded to the winner of this summer’s Rugby Africa Gold Cup following the tournament final on August 18 in Kampala, Uganda. The champion will depart for Japan to compete against the very best rugby teams, realize their potential and step up to the global stage.

The Rugby Africa Gold Cup will kick off in Windhoek, Namibia at Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium on June 16. The summer tournament from June 16th to August 18th will bring together an impressive line-up of rugby players.

Rugby is the fastest-growing sport in Africa. In 2002, only six African countries were playing the game, and now Rugby Africa boasts 38 countries. Out of 105 countries playing rugby competitively, one-third are African countries.

110 Golfers Converge In Ibadan For Mesiogo Open

About 110, both local and international, Golfers are expected to participate in the maiden edition of Ibadan Mesiogo Open starting tomorrow, October 4, 2017.

The Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr. Abayomi Oke stated this on Tuesday in Ibadan, disclosing that the competition is being organised in conjunction with the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes and 3e Actuaries.

Mr. Oke explained that 69 local golfers and 41 foreigners from 18 countries are being expected to be part of the competition that ends on Sunday, October 8, 2017.

The commissioner said that the competition will start with IMEGA Women Empowerment and Fund Ceremony today while the State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi will tee off the golf Competition for professional golfers at Ibadan Golf Club on Thursday, October 5, 2017.

Oke added that IMEGA 2017 Awards Gala will hold on Saturday, October 7, 2017 and the IMEGA Amateur Open for Ameteur Golfer at the Ibadan Glof Club will hold on October 8, 2017.

Odegha Wins Kwara @ 50 Golf Championship

Minna Cantonment Golf Club, assistant professional Sunday Odegha has won the professional’s prize at the Kwara at 50 Golf Championship presently taking place at the Ilorin Golf Club.

Odegha closed his final round on Friday with an impressive 68, four under par to extend his lead by four shots over the field of 46 players that made the last two rounds.

“This event is a very tough one going by the number of big names that showed up here, I believe it was my focus that kept me going. I am glad that I have won.” He said.

Sunday Olapade of MicCom Golf Club returned the round of the day with his 66, six under to pick the second place leaving Mike Ubi to grapple with the third place.

The event has a total purse of $25,000 USD as total prize for the professional who were 138 in number when the game started on Tuesday July 11.

The amateur round gets underway on Saturday with Host Governor, Abdufattah Ahmed his Plateau State counterpart, Simon Lalong, and the newly elected President of the Nigeria Golf Federation, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola being key participants in the field that has been estimated to feature over 200 players.

Nigeria Senate President To Tee-Off 18 Holes Golf Tourney on Sunday

All is now set for the 9th edition of Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki golf competition, an 18 hole tournament to mark the 54th birthday of the Senate President.

Addressing newsmen in Ilorin on Tuesday, the Captain of Ilorin Golf Club, Pharmacist Layi Maliki said that the 18 holes competition is to be organized by the club as part of activities to commemorate the 54th birthday anniversary of Dr. Saraki.

The competition according to Maliki will be played on Sunday, Dec. 18, and will tee-off at 7:00a.m.

The Ilorin Golf Club’s captain told newsmen that the Senate President is expected to perform the ceremonial tee- off alongside the Kwara State Governor Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed.

Maliki revealed that the competition is sponsored by a member of the House of Representatives, representing Edu, Moro and Pategi Federal Constituency, Hon. Aliyu Ahman Pategi.

He said the competition is also supported by the Kwara State government.

Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki
photo credit: abubakarbukolasaraki.com

According to Maliki, the tournament will draw professional and amateur golfers from the host club, Ilorin golf club, Mic-com golf and country club Ada, Kadariko golf club Kainji, Ogbomoso recreation club and Ibadan golf club.

The Captain thanked the sponsor of the competition for keeping faith with its sponsorship over the years as it has become a regular tournament in the calendar of the host club while also assuring participants a swell time.

The event will get on under way with a welcome cocktail for participants on Saturday, Dec. 17, while the closing ceremony and presentation of prizes is billed for Sunday, Dec. 18, by 7:00p.m.

FirstBank Lagos Amateur Golf Open Championship Tees-Off

Nigeria’s most valuable bank brand, First Bank of Nigeria Limited has announced that it is set to host this year’s edition of the Lagos Amateur Golf Championship.

The prestigious tournament, scheduled to tee-off on the lush greens of Ikoyi Club 1938, Lagos on Saturday, November 12, 2016 will mark the 55th anniversary of the championship.

One of the key highlights of this year’s tournament would be the participation of European Professional Golf Association (PGA) professional player – Alex Rowland who will provide hands-on coaching on bunker play, chipping, putting, and full swing among other skills at the open golf coaching clinic.

Alex Rowland, a British golfer and PGA pro started his golf career at Padeswood & Buckley at the age of 11.

He was elected to be PGA Captain of Cheshire & North Wales in 2011 and has taken over as PGA North Region Captain for 2016.

The coaching clinic which will take place at the practice range of Ikoyi Club Golf Club from 4pm daily is open to children, beginners, novices and golf enthusiasts.

In the competitive spirit, there will also be a “BEAT THE PRO CHALLENGE” competition on both days of where the professional players will be challenged in longest drive and closest to the pin shots with Instant prizes awarded to winners.

According to FirstBank’s Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Mrs. Folake Ani-Mumuney, FirstBank is proud to have hosted the championship for 55years and this is hinged on the Bank’s understanding of the importance of sports in the development of healthy bodies and sound minds, adding that the tournament will also present a golden opportunity for players to take advantage of numerous products offered by the Bank.

“Nurturing talents through this tournament and boosting capacity for experienced ones through this tournament, we assure all golf enthusiasts that we will continue to seek and explore new ways of elevating golf and producing even better golfers, Ani-Mumuney added.

FirstBank has enhanced the value and content in the 55th edition for of the championship for increased engagements, more fun offline and a highly interactive and specialised golf clinic for golfers and golf enthusiasts.

The Championship which is a 36-hole event to be played over two days kicks off on Friday, November 11th, 2016 with practice rounds on the golf course and a welcome cocktail reception in the evening.

Day 1 first round tee-off starts 6:30am on Saturday, November 12th 2016. Other activities on the day include the professional coaching clinic, and “Longest Drive Beat the Pro Challenge” competition.

Day 2 on Sunday, November 13th 2016 will start with guest players being invited to participate in the tournament followed by the final round of the Championship.

The grand finale and awards dinner will take place in the evening, capping off the Championship.

The annual tournament is open to all amateur golfers who are members of a registered Golf Club with handicap of 14 or below. More information on the championship is available on– http://www.firstbanknigeria.com/golf

The tournament, which made its debut 55 years ago is the foremost golf tournament in the country and will attract elite golf clubs from Ikeja, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Ilorin, Aba, Benin, Kano, Kaduna, Calabar and Ekiti.

The tournament will also be a platform for over 260 guest players to network and hone their golfing skills.

DALUNG CONDOLES LADIES GOLF ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

The Minister for Youth and Sports Barrister Solomon Dalung has sympathized with the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria over the death of its National President Mrs. Tima Animashaun who reportedly died in her sleep in Plateau state where she was expected to take part in two -day golf tournament.

Animashaun was said to be one of the female golfers scheduled to grace the occasion and preside over the opening ceremony of the tournament at the Laminga Golf Club, Jos Plateau state.

Barrister Dalung described the sudden death as a tragedy, coming at a time her services were most needed.

” It is tragic that a woman full of life had gone to bed in anticipation of a golf tournament which she was to participate in, only for her to be found dead in her room the next day. I pray for the repose of her soul and that God will give the family the fortitude to bear the untimely loss” Dalung said.

Mrs Animashaun was elected National President of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria only three months ago. She had been in the forefront of developing the game of golf especially amongst women. She has since been laid to rest at the weekend in Lagos.