By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Oct. 16, 2025 (NAN) Amb. Benaoyagha Okoyen, a former Nigerian envoy, marked his 60th birthday with a series of events in Abuja.
The celebrations began on Sunday, Oct. 12, with no fewer than 200 golfers participants taking part in a golf kitty organised by the TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club, (TYB-IGRCC), Abuja in his honour.
The tournament featured professional and amateur golfers, including women and veterans, who competed for various prizes with Damilola Afolabi emerging as the overall best net winner after playing off handicap 24 and returning 88 gross and 64 net.
Guests, participants as well as family members described the birthday celebration as lively and well-deserved, paying tribute to Amb. Okoyen’s contributions to diplomacy and sportsmanship.
Her Excellency, Mrs Pauline Tallen, a former Minister of Women Affairs, praised the ambassador’s legacy.
“I am here to celebrate Amb. Okoyen, who has joined the Diamond League.
I thank God for his life and wish him peace, good health and long life,” she said.
Maj. Gen. S.S. Jiya, the Captain of TYB-IGRCC commended Okoyen for choosing the club for the celebration.
“The Ambassador turned 60 and decided to celebrate at our club.
“Myself and other members rallied around to honour this important milestone,” he said.
Dr. Ali Peters, the Vice chairman of TYB-IGRCC described Okoyen as a passionate golfer and dedicated supporter of the club.
“He loves golf and has supported this club over the years.
“I’ve known him for over 15 years, and he has always shown respect, dedication and integrity.
“He truly represents what a diplomat stands for,” he said.
“I wish him more time on the fairway, good life, more wins and accolades.”
Mr Musa Usman, Resident Professional at TYB-IGRCC, described Okoyen as calm, organised and admired by fellow golfers.
“He is cool-headed and very unique.
Since he chose to mark his 60th with us, professionals within and outside Abuja came together to honour him,” Musa said.
Mrs Beatrice Okoyen, the ambassador’s wife, reflected on her husband’s character and journey.
“Today marks my husband’s 60th birthday.We’ve been together for over 26 years, and he’s truly a remarkable man.
“My prayer is that he soars like the eagle and achieves all he desires with God on his side,” she said.
Their daughter, Miss Pere Okoyen, described her father as caring and deeply devoted to family.
“My dad is one-of-a-kind.He always looks out for people and loves golf passionately,” she said.
NAN reports that the celebrations continued on Wednesday, Oct. 15, with a thanksgiving service at Benford International School, Abuja.
Family members, friends, colleagues and well-wishers attended the event.
The week of festivities ended with a dinner at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
The dinner featured tributes, music and dancing in honour of Okoyen’s service and achievements.
Speaking at the event, Okoyen expressed gratitude to God and thanked all who celebrated with him.
He also appreciated the prayers, goodwill messages and gifts he received.
Okoyen served as Nigeria’s ambassador to Cuba from 2021 to 2023, with concurrent accreditation to the Bahamas, Honduras and Nicaragua.
He was also Consul-General of Nigeria in New York in 2015 and again from 2018 to 2021.(NAN)
