The Captain, Ibadan Golf Club, Barrister Idowu Salami and the Head, Legal Desk, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Femi Okeowo, are the two heroes that won the KLM Air France tickets at the maiden edition of Bar and Bench Golf Tournament at the IGC last weekend.
Okeowo, who is playing 16 handicap played 156 Net over the two days won an economy class ticket to the United States of America, while Salami earned a business class ticket to also visit USA after he played 162 Net as 18 handicaper.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Key Account Manager, KLM Air France, John Olaoluwa Lawal, said it was a very good outing for golfers, especially lawyer-golfers who used the game to socialise and unwind after the court pressure.
He said it was part of corporate social responsiblity to go out of Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt to get across to their passengers.
He said “IGC happens to be one of the places we have a whole lot of lawyer-passengers and this is one of the opportunities to sponsor golf tourney and we are ready to be part of the subsequent ones, we are glad that we are here.”
“We are very happy with the turn out which gave us the opportunity to meet our lawyer-passengers and expose us to new passengers as well.
“We do sponsor different sports programmes and we are the major sponsor of the golf tourney in Holland which comes up once a year,” he said.
One of the winners Idowu Salami expressed joy at winning the ticket which he said would allow him to see his family in the US where they are based.
He said that the tournament was organised for judges, lawyers and other professionals, saying such would be replicated at the national level on assumption as the new captain.
“It is my concept, idea and innovation. It will remain Ibadan Bar and Bench Golf Tournament and would be maintained.
“I’m so happy with the turn out at this programme because it goes beyond my imagination as we have a lot of golfers across the country to play the two-day tournament.
“Let it be known that this tournament is designed to be a rallying point for members of this noble profession to unwind. I am, therefore, eagerly looking forward to see more members of the Bench and Bar participate at the next edition of this epoch tournament when, hopefully, the environment will be more relaxed and conducive.”
Okeowo, who stated that he has always been a winner in golf tournaments, expressed excitement at the turnout.
He stated that more lawyers and judges might not have participated in the tournament due to the present situation in the country.
Okeowo said he hoped that the tournament would record more participation subsequently, saying that he was yet to ascertain what he would do with the ticket he won.
In his goodwill message, NBA President, Abubakar Balarabe Mohmoud (SAN) laud the organiser for putting the programme in place.
He said NBA would want to make this tournament more interesting and attractive by increasing the participation of lawyers in the nearest future but i’m glad that the NBA is represented in the tournament.
“Golf is a game enjoyed by many including lawyers. It provides an opportunity for relaxation away from the hassles of the courtroom and abroad meeting.”
Aliu Jimoh from MicCom and Country Golf Club win the tournament 152 Gross ahead of Monday Edet who played 153 Gross.
Discussion about this post