Some golfers posing for a photo during the tournament. ( Photo : Edidiong Udobia)
By Edidiong Udobia
More than 100 golfers across Nigeria took part in a one-day golf tournament at the Ibom Golf and Country Club to mark the 82nd birthday of Obong Victor Attah, former governor of Akwa Ibom state.
The tournament which started in 2007, has become an annual event. This year, the tournament had golf players from Ibom Golf and Country Club and other golf clubs in the country, compete for different prizes in honour of the former Governor.
Speaking after the tournament, Obong Umana Umana, who served as the Commissioner for Finance in Attah’s administration, hailed his former boss for serving the state meritoriously for eight years and leaving enduring legacies.
“The tournament has been a very exciting experience especially because of the man we are celebrating and honouring, Obong Victor Attah”.
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Umana who is also a former Secretary to Akwa Ibom State Government and currently Director General, Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority further said; “Obong Attah served the state meritoriously for eight years and left enduring legacies like this golf course which is having good impacts on the economy of the state because of its tourism potentials. So, Attah deserves all the honour”.
Also, a former Commissioner for Works, Lands and Housing, Engr. Akan Udi described Obong Victor Attah as a man of wisdom and creativity who had foresight and laid the foundation for today’s success stories of the state.
Obong Umana Umana (left) discussing with another golfer during the tournament. (Photo : Edidiong Udobia
“Obong Victor Attah; a man of wisdom and creativity who gave us the facility that we have here, a hotel and golf course. You can see that it is a major tourism attraction to this state. We started this Victor Attah tournament in 2007. It’s an idea that I put together and my dream is to keep it in perfection because we need to give honour to who deserves the honour.”
“For Obong Attah to have given us this kind of facility is what our children and children’s children should come to appreciate. This tournament is going to continue and my prayer is that it gets bigger and bigger. I just want to say happy birthday to Obong Attah”, Engr. Udi said.
The captain of Ibom Golf and Country Club, Mr Usenobong Akpabio said since the tournament started, it has been getting bigger and better by the year, adding that the plan is to keep celebrating Obong Attah as long as the golf course exists.
“We’ve been able to turn this around by making it a yearly tournament. We have over 100 people playing in this particular tournament and it is welcoming. Normally, we would have 70 or 80 people, but over 100 registered for this and they have all come and played.
Mr Enobong Uwah, Chairman, Uyo Capital City Development Authority and Obong Bassey Albert, Senator representing Uyo senatorial district recording scores during the tourney. (Photo : Edidiong Udobia.
“It is a good way to honour a man we call the father of modern Akwa Ibom. At 82, we just want to pray that God should keep him alive so he will continue to give us direction. He is still our leader. For us who are playing golf, we have come to really appreciate him because this is a man who doesn’t play golf, but gave us a golf course.
“Some of us don’t know what we have here until we find out the number of people who come here form outside the state to play. This is no longer a tourism potential but a tourism reality”, Hon. Akpabio said.
On his part, the Chairman of Equatorial Parks and Premises Limited, Mr. Emmanuel Ekong recalled that the golf course was opened in 2006 amidst feeling of ecstasy by the people, adding that although very few people in the state appreciate golf, the facility has remained a valuable asset to the state.
“This golf course started at about 2006 when it was completed and we have been playing it since then and it’s a very valuable asset to the state because of the economic impacts it has. When we have a tournament like this, there are people who are bringing in resources to invest here. We have golfers from outside the state who are here for the tournament and they pay caddies, buy from the shops and so on.
“This contributes to the economy of the state and it’s something we love. Obong Attah is not only a good man, but the father of Akwa Ibom. His visions will live for a long time because we have a golf course today through him. So for a long time, Obong Victor Attah will be celebrated by Akwa Ibom people. He should come and play golf”.
Obong Victor Attah, former governor, Akwa Ibom State.
Another golfer, Uwem Udoh, captain of Ikoyi Club 1938, Golf Section, affirmed that Ibom Golf course is one of the best golf course in the country and commended Obong Attah for investing into the future of the state through the facility.
“It’s probably one of the best courses that we have in Nigeria so I love playing here. The playing condition is very good. The tournament today was really nice. Attah is a visionary leader and I consider him as an icon. When you consider all the facilities he brought to the state a long time ago and they are still beneficial to the people today”, he said. In his message message to Attah, he added, “We really wish you a very happy birthday, we love you and really appreciate all your services to Akwa Ibom state”.
On her part, the President, Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria, LGAN, Susan Cole-Kotas hailed Ibom Golf Course as the best course in Nigeria. “For now, it is the best course in the country”, she affirmed. “I want to personally commend those who are managing this course because what I saw on the course today was fantastic. I will like to say that Obong Attah is the father of Akwa Ibom.”
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“We are all here today because he kept his head down and worked in the best interest of the state. If all our leaders could be this visionary then others will have what to come and build on. I was here when this golf was about to be opened for the first time and I have seen Akwa Ibom evolve from the foundation he built. I feel very privileged to be among those who are celebrating him today”, she added
The President of Uyo Club 1935, Dr. Ku’ubra Uya eulogised Obong Attah for leading struggles like resource control which has contributed to the betterment of the Niger Delta region today, adding that his biggest wish for Obong Attah to write a book sharing his knowledge and experience.
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“The tournament was different because no matter how you are familiar with a golf course, each day you play on it feels different. But the major difference is that we are celebrating a man who made the golf course possible. Attah is a mentor, a deep thinker and the father of the modern Akwa Ibom state.
“Attah is that big and huge that every part of him you touch, there is a good story to be told about that part. I wish that one day, we have many Attahs in terms of ideology, in terms of leadership qualities, and in terms of belief system in Akwa Ibom and in Nigeria.
“I wish Obong Attah will have enough time to share his experiences, and knowledge with some of us who are willing to learn. I wish Obong Attah will write a book. So my wish for him this birthday is for him to write a book and share his wisdom”.
A foremost journalist and publisher in the state, Mr Franklyn Isong said that he is a golfer today because there is a golf course in the state, saying that the facility was a product of vision and selfless leadership from Obong Attah.
Mr Isong added that Ibom Golf and Country Club has been setting the pace in celebrating Obong Attah while he is alive which is not a very common thing in this part of the world, advising that the state must imbibe the culture of celebrating great people while they are alive.
On his part, the Public Relations Officer of Ibom Golf and Country Club, Isua Archibong noted that tournament has become a major event in the state due to consistency and the man who it is meant to honour, adding the plan is to make it even bigger.
“We are here to honour the father of modern Akwa Ibom, Obong Victor Attah, who had a vision and worked to ensure that Akwa Ibom has a place like this. Golfers from across the country have come here today to join us to play in his honour. As the PRO of the club, my job has been to ensure that the event is smooth and successful in terms of publicity”.
In their separate remarks, Edidiong Idiong, a golfer and Emmanuel Ochei, a resident golf professional and golf manager of Ibom Icon Hotels, joined their voices in eulogising Obong Attah on his 82nd birthday.
At the end of the tournament, winners emerged in the different categories. In the Veteran Category, Nik Odinwe came 3rd with the Gross Score of 95, Handicap of 15, and Net Score of 80; Ben Birabi came 2nd with the Gross Score of 93, Handicap of 17, and Net Score of 76, while Joe Poroma came 1st with the Gross Score of 87, Handicap of 12, and Net Score of 75.
Mr Usenobong Akpabio, Captain Ibom Gold and Country Club, presenting trophy to winners of the tournament. (Photo : Edidiong Udobia)
In the Ladies Category, Nora Spiff came 3rd with the Gross Score of 98, Handicap of 16 and Net Score of 82; Erebi Onyekwere came 2nd with the Gross Score of 100, Handicap of 24, and Net Score of 76, while Susan Cole-Kotas came 1st with the Gross Score of 85, Handicap of 12, and Net Score of 73.
In Handicap 21-28, Lanre Awobadejo came 3rd with the Gross Score of 104, Handicap of 24, and Net Score of 80; Onofiok Onofiok came 2nd with the Gross Score of 100, Handicap of 22, and Net Score of 78, while Imoh Ekpo came 1st with the Gross Score of 93, Handicap of 22, and Net Score of 71.
In Handicap 13-20, Nsima Ekanem came 3rd with the Gross Score of 95, Handicap of 16, and Net Score of 79; Guy Omene came 2nd with the Gross Score of 96, Handicap of 18, and Net Score of 78, while Otu Ekanem came 1st with the Gross Score of 85, Handicap of 14, and Net Score of 71.
In Handicap 0-12, Okey Ananaba came 3rd with the Gross Score of 82, Handicap of 7, and Net Score of 75; Abiodun Savage came 2nd with the Gross Score of 83, Handicap of 10, and Net Score of 73, while Sola Omailabu came 1st with the Gross Score of 79, Handicap of 8, and Net Score of 71. The captain of Ibom Golf and Country Club, Usenobong Akpabio emerged as the overall winner with the Best Gross of 78.
The club also presented a honorary prize to the celebrant, Obong Victor Attah, who was represented at the event by Otuekong Anietie Ekong. Receiving the prize, Ekong thanked members of the club for remaining consistent in celebrating the former governor.
“I want to thank all of you, especially those who have come from far and wide to celebrate this great man. Attah is a man of tomorrow because most of the things he conceived are what is driving Akwa Ibom today”.
