The maiden edition of the Nigerian Maritime Golf Challenge teed off in Lagos yesterday, drawing leading figures from the maritime and golfing communities. Retired Rear Admiral David Adegbola Adeniran emerged winner of the overall maritime nett category, marking a symbolic victory for the naval community.
Speaking after his triumph, Adeniran described the win as deeply meaningful, noting the alignment between golf, integrity, and maritime leadership.
“Particularly as a retired Navy officer, we are the leading actors in the maritime environment. For a naval officer to win the first maritime golf challenge is something good for our system,” he said. “Golf is life itself—it teaches patience, consistency, and integrity.
These are values the maritime sector needs, and that is why I encourage stakeholders to embrace the game.”
He also dismissed the notion of golf as an elitist sport, recalling how he began playing after receiving his first kit as a gift from a senior officer.
For the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), which hosted the event, the golf challenge was about more than sport. Isichei Osamgbi, the agency’s Director of Administration and Human Resources, hailed the turnout of over 80 players—well above the planned 72—despite heavy morning rains.
“What happened today is unbelievable,” Osamgbi said. “Even in the downpour, nobody left. It shows this initiative must continue annually. Beyond sport, this event fosters networking, partnerships, and fresh investments in the maritime industry. It also aligns with Nigeria’s campaign for a Category C seat at the IMO.”
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Pius Akutah—represented by Rotimi Anifowose, the Council’s Director of Strategic Planning and Research—commended the organisers, saying the challenge would strengthen unity among stakeholders and attract new investors to the blue economy.
The tournament also recognised excellence across several categories:
• Nearest to the Pin (Hole 11): Aniete Udo
• Ladies Longest Drive (Hole 11): Pat Ozoemene
• Men’s Longest Drive (Hole 9): Moses Jemuel
• Ladies Nett Winner: Timi Rowland (91-28 = 63)
• Ladies Nett Runner-Up: Eby Moses-Madu (101-34 = 67)
• Veteran Nett Winner: Reginald Okehie (90-16 = 74)
• Veteran Nett Runner-Up: Emmanuel Ogunka (98-20 = 78)
• Maritime Veteran Nett Winner: B.A. Raji (90-17 = 73 CB)
• Maritime Veteran Nett Runner-Up: J.B. Mohamed (94-21 = 73)
• Men’s Guests Nett Winner: Araoluwa Popoola (80-16 = 64)
• Men’s Guests Nett Runner-Up: Elias Abdelahad (84-17 = 67 CB)
• Men’s Guests Nett 3rd Place: Ruxi Huang (95-28 = 67)
• Overall Gross Winner: HRM Ask Makinde (81, Handicap 13)
• Maritime Nett Winner: Rear Admiral David Adeniran (87-19 = 68)
• Maritime Nett Runner-Up: Frank Gboneme (90-17 = 73)
• Maritime Nett 3rd Place: Abiodun Adeoye (98-21 = 77)
Stakeholders agreed that the success of the maiden edition sets the stage for the challenge to become an annual tradition. As Nigeria approaches its 65th Independence anniversary, they expressed optimism that initiatives like this will not only promote sportsmanship but also strengthen collaboration and drive fresh opportunities in the maritime and blue economy.
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