Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Nigerian maritime industry added a new dimension to its networking platforms on Thursday as the maiden Maritime Golf Challenge teed off in Lagos, drawing industry stakeholders, investors, and golf enthusiasts together. Retired Rear Admiral David Adegbola Adeniran emerged overall maritime nett winner at the historic event.
Speaking after his victory, Adeniran described the triumph as particularly significant for the naval community, noting that golf like maritime service demands integrity, patience, and consistency.
“As a retired Navy officer, we are leading actors in the maritime environment. And for a naval officer to have won the first maritime golf challenge, it is a big plus for the system. Golf is life itself—it teaches resilience, discipline, and integrity, all of which are crucial to the maritime sector,” he said.
The former admiral also dismissed perceptions of golf as an elitist sport, recalling how he started after a superior officer gifted him his first kit in Calabar. He urged maritime stakeholders to embrace the game, emphasizing its power to unite diverse professionals.
The event, hosted despite heavy early morning downpours, saw over 80 golfers surpassing the expected 72 participate till the end. Isichei Osamgbi, Director of Administration and Human Resources at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), described the turnout as proof of the sector’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and investment.
“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,” Osamgbi said.
He linked the challenge to broader national goals, including Nigeria’s quest for a Category C seat at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Federal Government’s push to diversify into the blue economy.
Pius Akutah, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, represented by Rotimi Anifowose, hailed the challenge as a unifying platform for maritime stakeholders and an attractive window for new investors.
The competition also recognized outstanding performers across several categories:
• Ladies Nett Winner: Timi Rowland (91-28 = 63)
Veteran Nett Winner: Reginald Okehie (90-16 = 74)
• Maritime Veteran Nett Winner: B.A. Raji (90-17 = 73 CB)
• Men Guests Nett Winner: Araoluwa Popoola (80-16 = 64)
• Overall Gross Winner: HRM Ask Makinde (81, Handicap 13)
Adeniran clinched the top Maritime Nett Winner title with a score of 87-19 = 68.
As Nigeria prepares to mark its 65th Independence anniversary, participants expressed optimism that the Maritime Golf Challenge would not only foster sportsmanship but also strengthen partnerships and investment in Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy.