By Ado Salisu
Yusuf ‘Azeez has emerged the overall winner of the 2026 Valentine’s Day Kitty organised by the Tukur Yusuf Buratai International Golf Resort and Country Club in Abuja.
‘Azeez, playing off handicap 28, returned 89 gross and 61 net to win the tournament.
Jerry Ishaya finished runner-up in Men’s Division 2 with 90 gross and 62 net.
In Men’s Division 1, Prince David won on countback after returning 73 gross and 68 net.
Ugo Nkwocha placed second on countback ahead of Hamza Mohammed, with all three players tied on 68 net.
In the ladies’ category, Hauwa Adamu won with 81 gross and 81 net.
Maryam Ibekwe finished runner-up with 82 net, while Olivia Adesua placed third with 85 net.
Nurudeen Abdulsalam won the veterans’ men category with 83 gross and 65 net.
Okeke Odili and Ralph Ugwu finished second and third respectively in the veterans’ category.
In the guests’ category, Pius Waritimi won with 88 gross and 62 net, beating Doris Jema, who returned 99 gross and 63 net.
The club also concluded its keenly contested Club Championship Matchplay across various categories.
In the Singles Matchplay Men, Yakubu Wambai emerged Club Champion.
C.O. Okoro finished second, while Peter S.O.O and E.B Awala secured joint third place.
In the Singles Matchplay Ladies, Nkechi Nwaogu claimed the top prize. Olivia Adesua finished second, while Sarah Kudi placed third.
In the Singles Matchplay Professionals, Pro David Gabriel won the top prize, while Pro James Okoromi finished second.
The Doubles Matchplay Men title went to D.
Ladan and I.S. Ali. Wayo Aondohemba and Eddy Shok finished second, while Ali Peters/Prince David and John Uche/Saturday Utubor shared joint third place.
In the Doubles Matchplay Ladies, Richard-Obioha Maryrose and F. Anyanwu clinched the title. Sarah Kudi and Tina Luka finished second, while Joyce Barber/Rose Nyam and Olivia Adesua/Cynthia Nana shared joint third place.
In the Doubles Matchplay Professionals, Musa Usman and Moses Bitrus claimed the star prize, while Emmanuel Odoh and Cynthia Maurice finished second.
The Club Championship further underscored the competitive spirit and camaraderie that continue to define the TYB-IGRCC golfing community.
The Captain of TYB-IGRCC, Brig-Gen Nicholas Ashinze said that more than 200 members participated in the event.
Ashinze described the kitty as a platform to promote unity, friendship, and sportsmanship among members and their families.
“This event provides opportunity for camaraderie and celebration of love among members, friends, and colleagues,” he said.
He said the open setting enhanced interaction, adding that members enjoyed music, comedy, dance, and refreshments.
“The turnout is encouraging and shows the strength of our club’s unity,” Ashinze added.
The immediate past Captain, Maj.-Gen. Samson Jiya commended the leadership for sustaining the club’s vision.
Jiya said the steady growth in membership and events reflected strong administration and collective commitment.
The Vice Captain, Dr. Ali Peters, appreciated the founders, the Grand Patron, Life Patron, Patron, and other senior officers both retired and serving for their continued support.
He thanked the club’s Life Patron, Lt-Gen T.Y. Buratai, for his vision in establishing the club.
Peters noted that the club provided golfers with an alternative venue following the temporary closure of the IBB Golf Club.
The Lady Captain, Jumai Adamu, said female participation continued to improve at the club’s events.
Adamu urged more women to embrace golf for fitness, networking, and recreation.
The General Manager, Warrant Officer Salisu Aliyu, described the tournament as successful and well coordinated.
A club member, Jide Kashimu, said the Valentine’s kitty combined competitive golf with social bonding.
Kashimu urged the leadership to sustain the initiative in subsequent editions.
