By ADO SALISU
Mercy Yohanna has emerged as the overall winner at the prestigious Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) President’s 2025–2027 Exco Inaugural Invitational Kitty held in Abuja.
Her exceptional performance not only showcased her skill and determination on the course but also highlighted her growing prominence in Nigeria’s women’s golf scene.
The tournament, held at Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Golf Club, saw Yohanna, handicap 28, return 93 gross and 65 net to secure victory.
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Yohanna expressed gratitude to the organisers, describing her victory as encouraging and memorable.
“I feel very excited winning this prestigious kitty. The competition was keen, and I had to stay focused throughout the round,” she said.
She attributed her performance to discipline and consistency on the course.“I played to my handicap and remained patient. Every stroke counted, especially on the back nine,” Yohanna said.
The winner commended the association’s leadership for organising a befitting tournament.
“This event shows the commitment of the new executive to raising the standard of women’s golf in Nigeria,” she said.
It was indeed a cagey affair in the Ladies Division One category as S.J. Marcus placed second on countback after carding 81 gross and 67 net.
Justina Gideon won Best Gross with 73, while Pat Ozoemene claimed runner-up gross with 75.
Lydia Anenga topped Division Two as Udoo Ugbor and Helen Mark won the Veteran Ladies and Veteran Women categories, respectively.
In Men’s Division One category, A.O. Ayanbode returned 79 gross and 63 net to win, ahead of E.O. Alade.
Chief Samuel Anyamele (Onwa) won the Super Veteran title and announced a N10 million donation to support Nigeria’s continental championship.
The championship will hold from Nov. 1 to Nov. 7 at IBB International Golf and Country Club.
Anyamele said hosting the All Africa Challenge Trophy offers Nigeria the opportunity to reshape its global image.
“Hosting Africa is a big deal. It allows us to market Nigeria positively and correct negative perceptions,” he said.
He described his donation as a patriotic contribution toward national development and collective responsibility.
“Rome was not built in a day. We must support initiatives that will make Nigeria great. This is my widow’s mite for a noble cause,” Anyamele said.
He urged government and private stakeholders to back the tournament, noting its scale compared with the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
“It is not easy to host over 20 countries. Government support is crucial to project Nigeria on the world stage,” he said.
Anyamele highlighted golf tourism’s economic benefits, stressing that hotels, transporters, and small businesses would gain from the influx of visitors.
“This is beyond sports. It is about economic growth, tourism, and national image. The benefits can not be overemphasised,” he said.
LGAN President Dr Lami Onayi Ahmed expressed delight at the massive turnout of nearly 200 golfers at the 2025-2027 Inaugural Golf Kitty in Abuja.
She described the Valentine’s Day-themed event as a celebration of love, unity and sportsmanship, applauding dignitaries, sponsors and special guests of honour, including Engr. Andrew Yakubu, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, Grace Ihonvbere, amongst several others for gracing the ceremonial tee-off.
Ahmed reaffirmed her executive’s commitment to deepening growth, development and national participation in women’s golf across Nigeria.
She highlighted Nigeria’s successful bid to host the prestigious All Africa Challenge Trophy, a biennial continental championship powered by R&A, scheduled for November 1–7.
Calling it a national assignment, she said the tournament transcends LGAN, positioning Nigeria against the rest of Africa, while aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of unity through sports.
Chairman of the event, Engr. Andrew Yakubu commended the executive for organisational excellence and pledged continued support.
“This kitty reflects vision and capacity. I am confident LGAN will deliver a successful continental championship,” Yakubu said.
AVM B.D. Solomon, Captain of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Golf Club and host of the event, expressed gratitude to LGAN for considering the club a worthy venue to host the kitty.
“On behalf of the management and entire members of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Golf Club, we are honoured to host the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria President and 2025 -2027 Exco Inaugural Kitty.
“It is always a privilege to provide a platform where excellence, unity, and sportsmanship thrive.
“Today’s impressive turnout of nearly 200 golfers reflects the growing strength of women’s golf in Nigeria. Our course was truly alive with talent, passion, and healthy competition.
“We congratulate Mercy Yohanna and all category winners for their outstanding performances. Their achievements demonstrate the depth of talent within LGAN.
“As a club, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote golf development, youth inclusion, and international competitiveness,” he said.
LGAN Public Relations Officer Igbierebo Ogolo described the president’s leadership as unprecedented in the association’s history.
“What our president has done is first of its kind. She has raised the bar very high for successive administrations,” Ogolo said.
She noted that activities began with a world press conference and AACT logo unveiling at TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club, followed by a retreat and the tournament proper.
“With November approaching, we are fully prepared to host Africa and showcase Nigeria’s organisational strength and hospitality,” she said.
Prince Vince Osawe was specially recognised and celebrated after he recorded a hole-in-one on Hole 13 and dedicated the feat to LGAN and his flight members.
Highlights included decoration of the new president and exco members and induction of AACT ambassadors.
The members of the LGAN 2025 – 2027 Executive Committee include Lami Ahmed (President); Nkoyo Igunbor (1st Vice president, East); Ochuko Orogun (Zonal Vice president, South); and Melody Dzaan (Zonal Vice president, North).
Others are Patience Ozoemene (Zonal Vice president, West); Rose Nyam (Honourable General Secretary); Wasilatu Abubakar (Treasurer); Igho Ugbegu (Financial/Subscription Secretary); Diana Osmond (Competition/Handicap Secretary); Ibierebo Ogolo (Public Relations Officer); and Evelyn Oyome (Ex-Officio).
