By Seyifunmi Odunuga
ABEOKUTA – The Abeokuta Golf Club is set to host the unique golf event tagged: “Leopard Tournament and Beauty Pageant” slated for January 29 and 30, 2021,, where all participants are expected to be cladded in leopard print attire which connotes strength and determination.
The well attended tournament according to the organizers is a golf event with the sole objective of Women Empowerment having the symbol of the Leopard with its focus of strength and determination, and is a political and has no affiliation with the recently launched “Àmòtèkun” of the South/West
.
The golf tourney which started four years ago was first held at the Tiger Golf Club in Ibadan as the 2nd edition took place at the Lafarge Cement Golf Club in Sagamu, while this third edition initially scheduled to hold in Lagos has found its way back to Ogun State.
Members of the Organising Committee for the event are as follows: Mureen Reece, the chairperson, Wilson Egberipou, Barr. (Mrs.) Ongodi Nkwoji, Ms Sumbo Oshile, the Co-ordinator, Mrs. Remi Johnson and Marry Gabriel.
The golf event , which is planned in such a way that all Covid-19 protocols would be observed, has a medical committee in place for the care and safety of participants in the course of the event.
The committee comprises core professionals such as the Honourable Commissioner for Health in Ogun State, Dr. Tomi Coker as member; Gen Dr. (Chief) MC Ezeoke, Chairman of the tournament, Captain Chisom Enemuor Rtd. Dr. John Dongo, also a member of the panel of judges and Dr. Tope Farombi, former Lady Captain of Ibadan Golf Club.
“Fortunately, Golfers are absolutely groomed with the tradition of rules as well responsibility in general, as we have realized that the virus is not a hoax and therefore we must restrain ourselves from contracting it by all means”, said Dr. Farombi, member of the medical committee.
Meanwhile the executives of the Abeokuta Golf Club, the host which comprises of Kola Adeneye (Captain), Kola Adebayo (Vice Captain), Kessy Erayeyan (Lady Captain), Tolu Olugbemi (Secretary), Segun Eleyowo (Treasurer), Ladi Adegbite (Competition Secretary), Akin Olopade (House and Bar Officer) and Lateef Lasisi (Course Officer) have assured all intending participants of a secured and alluring environment while welcoming them to Abeokuta, the city under the rock.
Prof Adebayo Kolawole, the Vice Captain of Abeokuta Golf Club and part of individual sponsors said he participated in the second edition of Leopard Ladies Tournament held in Sagamu and loved it, owing to its simple elegance, the smooth organization and the ambience within which participants feel like winners.
He added that all of those were very attractive to him, and he was eagerly looking forward to the third edition in Abeokuta.
His words, “It is unfortunate that it has to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, but it is providence that is bringing everyone to Abeokuta instead of Ikeja, the initial planned venue. Come and enjoy a bit of history, a bit of culture along with a lot of good humour, swinging and putting.
“In addition to our excellent course, golfers can spare time to trace the origin of Christianity in Nigeria as Abeokuta houses the first church as well as the first Bible in Nigeria. The International Kampala Market at Itoku is another attraction for those who want to take tradition back to their bases, there is a zoo at the Obasanjo Presidential Library just opposite Conference Hotel near the venue”.