The maiden edition of the Nigerian Maritime Golf Challenge held in Lagos yesterday brought together key stakeholders in the maritime and golfing communities, with retired Rear Admiral David Adegbola Adeniran clinching the overall maritime nett title.

Speaking shortly after his victory, Adeniran expressed delight at winning the first-ever maritime golf challenge as a retired naval officer. He noted that the triumph held a special significance for him and the naval community.

The retired admiral described golf as a sport that demands integrity, patience, and consistency, stressing that it mirrors life itself.

“Particularly as a retired Navy officer, we are the leading actors in the maritime environment. And golf in Nigeria is synonymous with the military. So, for a military officer, particularly Navy, to have won the first maritime golf challenge, I think it’s something good for our system.

“Golf is life itself. When you play badly today, you don’t have to be discouraged because tomorrow may be different. It is a game for the young and the old, and one that builds integrity. The maritime sector, which is central to Nigeria’s livelihood, needs people of integrity, and that is why I encourage maritime stakeholders to get involved in golf,” Adeniran added.

He also dismissed the perception of golf as an elite sport, narrating how he started playing after being gifted his first kit by a superior officer while in Calabar.

On his part, Isichei Osamgbi, Director of Administration and Human Resources at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), described the event as a milestone that goes beyond sports, positioning it as a platform to foster partnerships and investments in the maritime industry.

Despite heavy morning rains, Osamgbi noted that over 80 participants—surpassing the planned 72—remained committed until the end of the tournament.

He further acknowledged the overwhelming support from maritime stakeholders, including the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Shippers’ Council, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), noting that the event was also aligned with the Federal Government’s campaign for a Category C seat at the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

“The importance of today’s engagement is that it builds consciousness on the new economy. With the President’s push to diversify away from oil, we felt it was fitting, especially ahead of the World Maritime Day on September 25, to bring stakeholders together. The golf course provided the perfect ground for interaction, networking, and brainstorming.

“If it was Christendom, you would say it was faith at the highest level. Even when it rained cats and dogs, nobody left. Stakeholders turned the downpour into fun. What happened today is unbelievable, and it shows this initiative must continue annually.”Osamgbi said.

Also speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, NSC, Pius Akutah, commending the organisers, noting that it will to foster unity amongst maritime stakeholders as well as open the door for interested investors in the sector.
Akutah who was represented by the the Director, Strategic Planning and Research of the Council, Rotimi Anifowose, expressed expressed hope that the event would hold again next year.

The Nigerian Maritime Golf Challenge Kitty, also recognized outstanding performances across several categories:

Nearest to the Pin (Hole 11): Aniete Udo

Ladies Longest Drive (Hole 11): Pat Ozoemene

Men Longest Drive (Hole 9): Moses Jemuel

Ladies Nett Winners:

Runner-Up: Eby Moses-Madu (101-34 = 67)

Winner: Timi Rowland (91-28 = 63)

Veteran Nett Winners:

Runner-Up: Emmanuel Ogunka (98-20 = 78)

Winner: Reginald Okehie (90-16 = 74)

Maritime Veteran Nett Winners:

Runner-Up: J.B. Mohamed (94-21 = 73)

Winner: B.A. Raji (90-17 = 73 CB)

Men Guests Nett Winners:

3rd Place: Ruxi Huang (95-28 = 67)

Runner-Up: Elias Abdelahad (84-17 = 67 CB)

Winner: Araoluwa Popoola (80-16 = 64)

Overall Gross Winner: HRM Ask Makinde (81, Handicap 13)

Maritime Nett Winners:

3rd Place: Abiodun Adeoye (98-21 = 77)

Runner-Up: Frank Gboneme (90-17 = 73)

Winner: Rear Admiral David Adeniran (87-19 = 68)

As Nigeria approaches its 65th Independence anniversary, stakeholders expressed optimism that initiatives like the Maritime Golf Challenge would not only promote sportsmanship but also deepen collaboration and investment opportunities in the nation’s maritime and blue economy.