by The Ajasa News | September 26, 2025 5:22 pm
By Martin Odiete, Abuja
As Nigeria prepares to celebrate its 65th Independence Anniversary with a golf tournament, two passionate golfers have donated and commissioned key facilities at the Tukur Yusuf Buratai (TYB) International Golf Resort and Country Club in Abuja, reaffirming their dedication to advancing the sport in the country.
At the commissioning ceremony on Friday, Brigadier General Mustapha Onoyiveta (rtd), a former Aide de Camp to late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua, said he was inspired to build and dedicate the Back Nine Starter facility to enhance smooth tournament operations and improve the golfing experience at the club.
“The motivation to construct the back nine starter stemmed from the need to make tournaments more seamless,” Onoyiveta told reporters. “This course is still developing, and some of us felt it was a challenge worth taking up to support its growth. With this facility, organizers can arrange players to tee off either from the front nine or back nine without clashes, while golfers also have a rest area for refreshments. It will also serve as an educational and relaxation point during tournaments.”
Similarly, businessman Chief Samuel Ayanmele unveiled a halfway house at the TYB golf resort, saying his decision was inspired by the need to provide comfort for players, particularly during unfavourable weather conditions.
“When I first came to TYB and saw that players had nowhere to take shelter when it rained, I decided to build a halfway house where golfers could relax and refresh,” Ayanmele explained. “I have also done similar projects at Karishi and the Naval Golf Course in Abuja. For me, golf is life itself. It teaches you about people, their character, and helps one live longer. Around the world, from America to China, great leaders have taken crucial decisions on the golf course. Nigerians too should embrace the game.”
The projects were commissioned by the former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant Faruk Yahaya accompanied by other top serving and retired military personnel
About 400 golfers are expected to compete in the Golf Tournament. The week-long tournament, organised to mark Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary, will also honour retired and serving officers of the Nigerian Army.
It is also worthy to note that, the tournament which will also attracts over 100 female golfers, including three professionals, will tee off on September 27 with Category 3 and Category 4 tournament to be followed on September 28 with a TYB professionals and invitational tournament.
The peak of the schedule will hold on October 1, when Category 1 players take to the course, followed by the guest and sponsors’ tournament.
The curtain is expected to fall on the tournament later in the day with the prize presentation and award night to crown the overall champion of the tournament as well as honour deserving winners of the various categories.
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