….donate 200 bags of rice to widows of fallen heroes

By Evelyn Usman

At least 150 golfers from across Nigeria converged on the Dolphin Golf Club, Ojo, Lagos, on Thursday for the 13th edition of the Golf & Tour Charity Association Tournament, tagged Eko 2025.

The premier sporting and humanitarian event, which brought together the retired military personnel and civilian elite, also witnessed the donation of 200 bags of rice to widows of fallen soldiers residing in NNS Wey Barracks, Ojo.

Speaking at a press briefing to herald the four-day event, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for Eko 2025, the Oni Igemo1, Owa of Igbajo, Osun State, Oba Ademola Makinde, said the tournament offered members a rare opportunity to socialise while giving back to society.

 “The Golf and Tour Charity Association, like the name implies, there are  three basic things we do: we play golf, we network and we give back to the society,” he said, emphasising that the beneficiaries were not beggars but deserving members of the military community.

Oba Makinde, a serial winner of the last four editions and defending champion, who outlined the programme, said Thursday was for arrival and a meet-and-greet at the Naval Air Base.

“Tomorrow, members will play a group game with a shotgun start, take a group photograph, and hold our AGM to decide the next host city. Saturday is open to friends, neighbouring clubs and the wider golfing community, with awards and an after-party,” he added. He praised the Nigerian Navy and Dolphin Golf Club for their support, saying the event would not have been as successful without their cooperation.

On the composition of the association’s membership, Rear Admiral Dogara Gora (rtd.) said the group draws from both serving and retired personnel, alongside top public servants. He explained that the strong military imprint was rooted in the group’s origins. “Many of us are military men. The reason is not far-fetched because the founding members were all military officers,” he said, adding that the association has since evolved into a disciplined but inclusive community built around golf and service.

Speaking on the group’s humanitarian philosophy, Deputy Chairman, Rear Admiral David Adeniran, said its charitable commitments stem from gratitude and a sense of duty. “When the society has given so much, it is just right to give back,” he said. He noted that members, having experienced society from various vantage points, recognise the need to contribute meaningfully. “We have seen it all, and we know that before we leave this world, we must give back to the society that brought us to this level,” he added.

On the socio-economic benefits for individuals, Secretary of the LOC, Commodore Abiodun Adeoye, described the tournament as a quiet engine of empowerment, especially for caddies and young participants supporting the event. “We pay the caddies handsomely, and some are recognised by the golfers they serve. From there, they gain openings such as sponsorships, mentoring and sometimes assistance to join the military. Many have already benefited,” he said. He added that beyond sport, the tournament boosts the local economy, nurtures emerging talent, and creates pathways for personal advancement.

Expanding on the wider economic footprint, Chief Coordinator, Brigadier General Mustapha Onoyiveta (rtd.), said the accommodation of 150 golfers in Lagos had an immediate impact on local commerce.

“These 150 golfers stay in hotels, eat locally and engage service providers,” he said, noting that the Navy Town area benefits directly through increased patronage of caterers, transporters and other small businesses.

 Reflecting on the association’s growth, he recalled that it was established in 2021 with its first session in Calabar and has since held 11 other editions across Abuja, Owerri, Jos, Ibadan, Ilorin, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kaduna and Minna.

“We have also undertaken two international tours  to Uganda in 2024 and earlier this year to Côte d’Ivoire,” he said, describing the association as both a sporting platform and a catalyst for local enterprise.

Encouraging younger personnel to embrace the sport early, Onoyiveta added: “Golf is life. It keeps you away from doctors, improves blood circulation and engages all your senses. From your head to your toes, from your fingers to your back, golf challenges your body and mind. When you retire, it becomes something that maximises your life.”

In his remarks, Commander NNS Wey, Commodore Shehu Tasks, who expressed appreciation for the association’s gesture, assured that the donated bags of rice would be preserved until the Command’s annual widows’ outreach on December 6, 2025, where they would be distributed with other relief items to widows within and outside the barracks.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the widows, Mrs. Ngozi Chizoba said the gesture provided a sense of belonging for families of fallen heroes. In an emotion-laden voice, she said: “Sometimes, all we need is attention, care and someone to talk to. Even when there is no food to eat, all a widow wants is someone to talk to. With this, we are happy that some people care for us.”