IGCC Comes Alive as Golfers Honour Mayuku on His 60th Post-Birthday

The Ibori Golf and Country Club (IGCC), Asaba, came alive as over 100 professional and amateur golfers from within and outside Delta State gathered to honour former Delta State House of Assembly member and four-time IGCC Captain, Hon. Daniel Mayuku, on his 60th post-birthday celebration.

The one-day Pro-Am Birthday Golf Kitty attracted some of Nigeria’s finest golfers, with Adoji Ondoka emerging winner of the Professional Category after posting 3-over-par to defeat Abubakar Mustapha on count-back.

In the IGCC Men’s Category, Prof. Robert Dode carded 75 net to beat Sandy Memeh on count-back, while Prinye Obuaya emerged winner of the IGCC Women’s Category with 78 net, defeating Igho Ugbegu.

John Okojie recorded 81 gross to claim the Men’s Best Gross title, while Destiny Okoh won the Women’s Best Gross prize with 90 gross.

In the Super Veterans Category, Dr. Tosan Popo carded 78 net to defeat Prof. Ifo Amata, who returned 82 net. Sifo Oniti emerged winner of the Veterans Category with 76 net, beating Omordi George Ugbomah.
Omosigho Obakpolo won the Guest Ladies’ prize with 77 net, ahead of Isoma Esumeh, while Bilaye Ibrahim claimed the Guest Men’s prize with 78 net, finishing ahead of Ogaga.

In the Senior Pro Category, Omenuko returned 4-over-par to defeat Francis Isuku, while Winifred Amina also carded 4-over-par to emerge winner of the Ladies Pro title.

Speaking at the event, the Captain of IGCC, Mr. Alex Joe, and the immediate past Captain, Chief Patrick Ukah, described Mayuku as an icon whose contributions to golf have left an indelible mark on the Nigerian golf circuit.

They noted that as a four-time Captain of the club, Mayuku had played a significant role in the development of the sport and had contributed to the growth of young golfers who subsequently rose to the professional ranks.

According to them, his contributions have also helped strengthen Nigeria’s representation and ranking on the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) circuit.

A former Ladies Captain of IGCC, Igho Ugbegu, described Mayuku as an ardent golfer whose six-year absence from the golf circuit created a noticeable gap, expressing optimism that his return would contribute to renewed development of the sport.

The speakers also recalled Mayuku’s encouragement of young people to embrace golf, noting that his efforts contributed to Delta State’s dominance in golf events at the National Youth Games and the National Sports Festival.

Responding, Hon. Daniel Mayuku, who recently celebrated his 60th birthday, expressed appreciation to the Nigerian golf family, particularly members of IGCC, for the show of love and support.

Mayuku said he had returned to the golf circuit to contribute his quota to the development of the game in Nigeria, stressing the need for the country to produce more golfers capable of competing on the international stage.

He said despite his six-year hiatus, he remained abreast of developments in Nigerian golf and called for the reinvention of the country’s participation in the Professional Golf Association Tour.

According to him, repositioning the professional golf circuit would help Nigeria attract major international golfing events and further expose local golfers to global opportunities.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of golf equipment to IGCC, Asaba, by Hon. Mayuku, followed by the presentation of prizes to winners in the various categories.