Rear Admiral David Adegbola Adeniran (retired) has emerged winner of the maiden edition of the Nigerian Maritime Golf Challenge which took place recently in Lagos.
The golf challenge brought together several stakeholders in the maritime industry and in the golfing communities.
Speaking shortly after his victory, Adeniran expressed delight at winning the first-ever maritime golf challenge as a retired naval officer. He noted that the triumph held a special significance for him and the naval community.
He described golf as a sport that demands integrity, patience, and consistency, stressing that it mirrors life itself.
His words: “Particularly as a retired Navy officer, we are the leading actors in the maritime environment. And golf in Nigeria is synonymous with the military. So, for a military officer, particularly Navy to have won the first maritime golf challenge, I think it’s something good for our system.
“Golf is life itself. When you play badly today, you don’t have to be discouraged because tomorrow may be different. It is a game for the young and the old, and one that builds integrity. The maritime sector, which is central to Nigeria’s livelihood, needs people of integrity, and that is why I encourage maritime stakeholders to get involved in golf.”
He also dismissed the perception of golf as an elite sport, narrating how he started playing after being gifted his first kit by a superior officer while in Calabar.
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mr. Isichei Osamgbi on his part described the event as a milestone that goes beyond sports, positioning it as a platform to foster partnerships and investments in the maritime industry.
According to him, despite heavy morning rains over 80 participants—surpassing the planned 72—remained committed until the end of the tournament.
He also acknowledged the overwhelming support from maritime stakeholders, including the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Shippers’ Council, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), noting that the event was also aligned with the Federal Government’s campaign for a Category C seat at the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
His words: “The importance of today’s engagement is that it builds consciousness on the new economy. With the President’s push to diversify away from oil, we felt it was fitting, especially ahead of the World Maritime Day on September 25, to bring stakeholders together. The golf course provided the perfect ground for interaction, networking, and brainstorming.
“If it was Christendom, you would say it was faith at the highest level. Even when it rained cats and dogs, nobody left. Stakeholders turned the downpour into fun. What happened today is unbelievable, and it shows this initiative must continue annually.”
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Mr. Pius Akutah in his remarks commended the organisers just as he noted that it will foster unity amongst maritime stakeholders as well as open the door for interested investors in the sector.
Akutah who was represented by NSC Director of Strategic Planning and Research, Mr. Rotimi Anifowose expressed hope that the event would hold again next year.
The Nigerian Maritime Golf Challenge Kitty, also recognized outstanding performances across several categories. These include nearest to the pin (Hole 11), Aniete Udo; Ladies Longest Drive (Hole 11), Pat Ozoemene; Men Longest Drive (Hole 9): Moses Jemuel; and Ladies Net Winners:
