By Steve Oma-Ofozor
The Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim Golf’ Club (OSIIGC) Jaji in Kaduna State will be a bee hive of golfing actions from February 1-6, 2022 for its first ever international tournanamt tagged “1st International Professionals and Amateurs Tournament 2022.”
The Tournament according to the organisers has over N5 million prize money, just as over 300 golfers are expected to participate in the week-long event with lots of exciting prizes up for grabs by the amateurs.
No doubt, the tournament will showcase talented and skillful players among the professionals and amateurs across the country and at the international level.
Thus, professionals as PGA of Nigeria legend, Andrew Oche Odoh; Sunday Olapade; Christopher Francis among others are expected to be on parade; for the amateurs, ladies category to be specific, serial winner, Amina Wilfred of IBB Club, Abuja; Rachael Danjuma of Jaji Club, a home favourite; Blessing Obaje of Otukpo Golf Club and more are expected to join the fray.
Navy Commander Joseph Shuaibu, Captain of the Jaji Club commenting on the tournament, believes it is one of the ways to promote peace and unity in Kaduna State as well as advertise the great golfing facility in the military cantonment.
“Jaji Military Cantonment has one of the best golf courses in the country and it’s a world class golf course; this is one of the reasons we’re organising the first ever international professionals and amateurs (Pro-Am) golf tournament, to let people know there are good sporting facilities as the golf course that can better lives in the Cantonment; we want to keep the course busy with tournaments.
“Again, people are still to believe that peace has returned to Kaduna; International tournament of this calibre is a good way of proving that Kaduna is a loving and hospitable place to be; the narrative has changed; people should come and be part of the event to see things for themselves,” he assured.
In this regard, the Captain revealed that the tournament which is hoped to be an annual event would have the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai, perform the ceremonial tee off as other dignitaries are also expected to be on ground.
The Captain however, concluded by appealing to sponsors, individuals and groups who have made pledges to redeem it to enable the organisers meet the financial commitments for the event to be a memorable one.
