Osawuru, Awiaka win Oyegun @80 tourney

Chief Lucky Osawaru and Princess Nkiruka Awiaka played 74 net each to emerge champions at the Chief John Odigie-Oyegun @ 80 golf tournament held at Benin club golf section (BCGS), course, GRA, Benin-City at the weekend.

In the men’s category, Chief Osawaru (hcp 28) won his first major title to prove the bookmakers wrong after beating the vice captain, Mayer Ologbosere and V. Emuakhagbon to second and third places respectively. They both played 75 net.

Osaze Iyare (hcp 3) won the gross award with 78 gross.

In the ladies game, Awiaka, an ex-lady captain of the Benin Club, once again won the ladies category, just as another ex-lady captain, Suwadetu Mahmud (78 net), and lady captain, Princess Habiibah Oyeghe Oyarekhua (82 net) settled for first and second runner-up respectively.

The tournament was organised by Edo State government in honour of Chief Oyegun, the first executive governor of the state, and immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Other winners at the event were Professor Josephine Mokwunyei (86 net), and Sir. Tony Aghedo (72 net) in the veteran ladies and men’s categories respectively, while the super veteran men trophy went to S. Asemota (81 net). Dame Julie-Okha Donli (103 net), and Anthony Unaworho (76 net)
won the special guests’ ladies and men’s category.

The guests’ ladies and men’s trophies went to UBTH golfers, Sandra Emina, lady captain (74 net) and Smith Iredia (69 net), while A. Oghogho won the best gross award with 79 gross.

Speaking at the event, club captain, Prince Aghatise Erediauwa, represented by vice captain, used the occasion to apologise for the hundreds of balls that have landed in Chief Oyegun compound over the years.

“We have threatened the errant golfers with all kinds of punishment, but they won’t listen. Your patience in this is just another of the reasons for which you are so appreciated.”

Speaking at the event, Chief Oyegun thanked God for keeping him alive to celebrate 80 years in good health.

He said, “Most of my friends are golfers and they chose to celebrate with me this way.  I thank them all, Benin Club, and the Edo State government for backing and funding this competition. This is a great honour to me at 80 years.”

Also speaking at the event, Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu said: “We chose to celebrate Oyegun with this golf tournament because golf is a game of life and friendship. Thank God for his life. As a government, we will continue to tap from his experience. ”