By Victor Okoye
Abuja, April 12, 2025 (NAN) Some golf enthusiasts have eulogised Ibrahim Babayo, the out-going Captain of IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a cross-section of enthusiasts who showered encomiums on the captain, spoke at the 2025 IBB Captain’s Cup tee-off ceremony in Babayo’s honour.
The tee-off ceremony was part of a week-long golfing event which began on Monday at the IBB International Golf and Country Club (IBBIGCC), Abuja.
Babayo was joined by several dignitaries, including the Chief of Army Staff and some Board of Trustees (BOT) members of the club to perform the Captain’s Cup ceremonial tee-off.
Performing the ceremonial tee-off, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. -Gen. Olufemi Oluyede who was represented by Maj.- Gen. Adetokunbo Fayemiwo said it was a pleasure for him to have been at the club to celebrate a special and hardworking captain.
“I sincerely congratulate my dear friend and brother, Captain Ibrahim Babayo and the entire members of his team for a successful tournament to mark the end of her tenure.
“The IBB Captain’s Cup is a very important event I always look forward to being a part of. For us in the military, we see golf as a very important, unique and healthy sport.
“On behalf of the Chief of Army staff, I wish all of us a wonderful tournament, and let us have good recreation and a fellowship together,” he said.
President, Nigeria Golf Federation, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, and a member of the BOT, described this year’s event as a unique opportunity to showcase the great things the outgoing captain had achieved for the club.
“Today, I am standing here on three caps; first as a lover of golf, a BOT member of the club and the president of NGF.
“I want to thank the golfing community for choosing to honour Babayo in a very special way.
“We feel very proud today of this great captain for what he’s done and what he is doing and as far as this tournament is concerned, it has been able to create good family relationship among golfers especially in the North.
“I wish the outgoing Captain well and admonish the members of the club to continue to play and live peacefully with one other,” he said.
On her part, Grace Ihonvbere, a past Lady Captain and also a member of the BOT, said, it was a thing of joy for the Captain to organise the event to showcase his outstanding one year achievements in office.
“Ibrahim Babayo has done well as Captain. He has contributed his own qouta.
“We have seen improvements on the course. Our greens are in good shape and some renovations everywhere.
“I am glad to be here to celebrate his one year in office,” she said.
NAN also reports that the week-long 2025 Captain’s Cup golf tournament will climax on Saturday with the dinner and award night, after five days of golf action at the club.
Tagged, “Tiger Bows Out”, the final day will witness battle among Men handicap 0 to 10 and Female handicap 0 to 15.
Members of the IBBIGCC Executive Committee, BOT members, sponsors as well as some special guests are also expected to compete for honours on the final day.
Events that have been concluded in the last five days include Staff competition, Men and female division three, Pros competition, Sponsors, veterans, and Super Veterans competition.
No fewer than 300 golfers are vying for honours in the 18-hole competition.(NAN)
Okoye is also the current Vice Chairman of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), FCT Chapter.
