Sports
Ibori Gold And Country Club: Out-Going Lady Captain Hailed Over Achievements
Pioneer Lady Captain of Ibori Golf and Country Club (IGCC) in Asaba, Delta State capital, Chief (Mrs) Liz Ogbutua believes the out-going Lady Captain Angela Uwabor has triggered a challenging development in the club.
Ogbutua, who was Captain in 2004 and Vice President of Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), South South Zone, made the statement on Monday while dwelling on the forthcoming 10th Asaba Ladies Open Golf Championship which commences activities with a Pre-Tournament event today.
Ogbutua incidentally, is saddled with the responsibility of declaring the Pre-Tournament open, just as other past Captains will be honoured at the event and she said, “It’s an honour done to me by the captain and her Committee to be saddled with the responsibility to declare open the Pre-Tournament in readiness for the main event.”
The pioneer captain, who started playing golf since 1994, affirmed that the out-going Lady Captain, Uwabor, is “a rare gem,” who has positively turned around the fortunes of the Lady Section of the IGCC.
“Angela Uwabor, the 10th Lady Captain of IGCC – 10, is a special number; Uwabor has brought clamour, style, swag to the Lady Section; she has a beautiful swag and carries everybody along; the championship is still well ahead, but we’re already in the mood.
“She came in January 2020, but just then the COVID-19 pandemic came and slowed her down; but inexplicably, she still found a way to get things done; to everyone’s amazement, she upgraded the Ladies Section facilities to an envious standard, the office, lockers, she did a whole lot!
“In fact, Angela Uwabor is a rare gem; a go-getter; if I’m to rate her she has done very well; she has left a big shoe for the next Captain; she’s played good golf; won laurels and has represented states at local and international levels,” Ogbutua stated.
Ogbutua, who is from a family of golfers and a member of other clubs as Benin and UBTH, thumbs up the present standard of IGCC course which she said has met acceptable world standard, adding enthusiastically that more women have embraced golf in recent times against the myth that it was elitist sport and all men affair.
In this regard, she commended the Delta State Government for aligning with golf development since the construction of IGCC in 2000.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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