Chief (Mrs) Rachel Umahi the first lady and wife of Ebonyi State Governor Dave Umahi has pledged her unflinching support towards the development of women golfing in the state.
The First Lady represented by, Mrs Patience Offor Okorie, Special Assistant to Her Excellency on Welfare made the statement during the opening ceremony of the first ever Abakaliki Ladies Open Golf Championship which held between November 4th and 6th, 2021 at the Abakaliki Golf Club.
The first lady who is also the Grand Patron of the Ladies Section believes, ”The bold step taken by Ladies to engage in golf sport believed to be exclusive reserve of men was a welcome development,’ just as it was victory over gender barrier in the state.
In this regard, while applauding leadership qualities of the Lady Captain, Enene Fonne, she added, “I feel hugely enthused that you planned the game in my honour; I accept it with esteem gladness and thanks.”
“As your Grand Patron, I assure you of my undiluted support and cooperation; I will make myself available towards the success of your efforts and enhancement of lady golfing in our dear state,” she assured.
While the First Lady appreciated the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) and all stakeholders of the Abakaliki Golf Club, she wished the organisers and all participants a successful and blissful tournament.
Meanwhile, the Lady Captain, Fonne, in her response commended the first lady for identifying with the ladies in their efforts to elevate the ‘ladies golf’ in the state, but reminded her of the need to help the ladies section meet its set target.
“I thank her Excellency the First Lady of Ebonyi State for always being part of the development of the Ladies Section; becoming the pioneer Ladies Captain of AGC, I have about 13-point agenda, but we’re in the 12; we still need your assistance to achieve the remaining target,” which said spiritually ‘with God it was possible.’
Concluding on some of the 13-point agenda, the Lady Captain maintained that the need to have a befiting office for the Ladies Section was highly expedient amongst other issues.
