Harboursandport.com: LAGOS — September 19, 2025: The first-ever Nigerian Maritime Golf Challenge teed off in grand style on Thirsday, drawing together prominent figures from the maritime and golfing sectors.
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| L-R Mr Isichei Osamgbi , Director Admin and Human Resources, NIMASA, Captain Sunday umoren , Abuja MOU, Dr Adunayo Ani, Director, Audit, NIMASA, Olurotimi Babatunde Anifowose - Director, Strategic Planning and Research, Shippers Council, Engr. Olalekan Badmus - Executive Director - Marine and Operations, NPA during the 2025 Nigerian Maritime Golf Challenge at Ikoyi Golf Club, Lagos state. |
Despite heavy morning rains, the event saw over 80 participants—exceeding expectations—and culminated in a symbolic victory for retired Rear Admiral David Adegbola Adeniran, who clinched the overall maritime nett title.
Adeniran, visibly elated, described his win as deeply meaningful, especially as a retired naval officer. “Golf is life itself,” he said. “It teaches patience, consistency, and integrity—qualities essential both in the military and the maritime sector.”
He emphasized that the sport, often perceived as elitist, is accessible and transformative, sharing how he began playing after receiving his first kit from a superior officer while stationed in Calabar.
The event, hosted in Lagos ahead of World Maritime Day on September 25, was hailed as a milestone by Isichei Osamgbi, Director of Administration and Human Resources at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
He noted that the challenge served as a strategic platform for networking, collaboration, and investment in Nigeria’s blue economy.
“Even when it rained cats and dogs, nobody left,” Osamgbi remarked. “Stakeholders turned the downpour into fun. It shows this initiative must continue annually.”
Support poured in from key maritime institutions including the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC, National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, MAN Oron. The event also aligned with Nigeria’s campaign for a Category C seat at the International Maritime Organization, IMO.
Pius Akutah, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, commended the organizers for fostering unity and opening doors for potential investors. Represented by Director of Strategic Planning and Research, Rotimi Anifowose, Akutah expressed hope that the tournament would become a yearly tradition.
Tournament Highlights:
Overall Gross Winner: HRM Ask Makinde (Gross 81, Handicap 13); Ladies Nett Winner: Timi Rowland (91-28 = 63); Veteran Nett Winner: Reginald Okehie (90-16 = 74) and Maritime Veteran Nett Winner: B.A. Raji (90-17 = 73 CB).
Others winners are: Men Guests Nett Winner: Araoluwa Popoola (80-16 = 64); Nearest to the Pin (Hole 11): Aniete Udo; Longest Drive (Men, Hole 9): Moses Jemuel and Longest Drive (Ladies, Hole 11): Pat Ozoemene.
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| Group photography by all the winners and the organisers. |
As Nigeria approaches its 65th Independence anniversary, stakeholders expressed optimism that initiatives like the Maritime Golf Challenge will not only promote sportsmanship but also deepen collaboration and investment in the maritime sector—an essential pillar of the nation’s economic future.
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| Rear Admiral David Adeniran, winner of the median Maritime Golf Challenge. |
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