Tunji Adeyemo’s dexterity on a golf course cannot be questioned. His big frame largely belies his uncanny skills when playing, often leaving spectators wondering how far he can go on the field of play. But Adeyemo has proven many times that he understands the logic behind holding the golf club.
For him, golfing is a game of perfection. It is about using the club to hit the ball in the right direction. When he is on the golf course, he knows the particular acceleration of the wind and he can discern the course where it blows. He knows how to correctly hit the ball by determining the club that will fit the wind power.
Little wonder why he was the subject of celebration at the Ikeja Golf Club last week. The atmosphere was simply electrifying. It was carnival like, a celebration of some sort. It was Adeyemo’s day of honour as the outgoing captain of the club. Nothing more would have been expected.
Having served the club as the captain over the past 12 months, the club had reasons to celebrate. His tenure, members say was an outstanding success. It was therefore not surprising when the high and mighty, the big wigs within the club and outside gather in his honour. As expected, it was a roll-call of who-is-who within the club and beyond.
Olorogun Felix Ibru, Major-General Olayinka Sule, Clement Onyeyiri, Michael Obafunsho Peters – all members, board trustees of the club were present. Former captain, Chudi Ubosi, Ogunmoyero, Omashola Williams, Mrs. Briggs, the list is endless. In fact, there was no better way to sign-off than the week-long festivities.
Born and bred within the golfing community, Adeyemo had served the club in virtually all areas within the club, culminating in his been elected as captain of the club.
His coming was with a different, s shift away from the norm. He wanted to impact positive. He dreamed a memorable tenure. And so it was. To achieve his reality, Adeyemo scanned through his golf bag and came up with an agenda whose ripple effect on the club will dominate discuss for time to come.
His first assignment was to strengthen the ties of the club with corporate Nigeria and attracted more corporate sponsors. Twelve months after, his effort was there for all to see.
The astuteness of his leadership style, characterised by the rare ability to listen to all and sundry also breathed freshness to the administration of the club, earns respect and support of members and well-wishers.
No wonder, friends and colleagues within the club role out the drums in his honour.
Caddies, professional golfers, ladies and men, even staff of the club were not left out of the celebration.
The number of sponsors wanting to be part of his celebration further testifies to his rating. Berger Paints Nigeria plc, ICMA Services, Cellulant, Kogi State government, Efex Motors, ICAN, Eliezer Workplace, Airflow Engineering Works Ltd, Leadway Assurance plc, Seven Up Bottling Company, Toyota Nigeria Ltd, Strasscorp Ltd, Lanre Osinaike & Associates, Faruk Kilani & Co., Abel Abosede & Co., Briscoe-Ford Motors, Consolidated Hallmark Insurance, were all represented.
A taste of what was to come came to the fore earlier in the week when Caddies stepped on the course to emulate their masters. Professional golfers had their way on Tuesday. The women came to the fore on Wednesday before a special end of tenure kitty on Thursday.
Then came the hunt for trophies on Friday and Saturday before the closing gala, where prizes were given to excelling players later in the evening.
As usual, Chris Obije, playing like someone infused with the winning bug out-shined other competitors. A 65-net score over 18-holes saw him winning the events biggest prize.
Biyi Fetuga carded a 68-net score to come in the second position, while Rasaki Muritala came third. Muyideen Olaitan completed the top four in the men’s category.
Jing Hua Lim, Alaba Adetunji, Angela Adegboyega and Funke Majekodunmi excelled in the ladies category.
Tour professional, Chidi Tobias won in the professional category after signing for 73, leaving Tunde Raimi -75, and Femi Johnson – 79, in the second and third place, respectively.
Other winners in the week-long competition are Chima Nwakwo – won in the veteran category, David Ogunseye won the longest drive day-1, Taiwo Adewole, longest drive day 2, Akinbo Akomolafe, winner men’s guest, and Lanre Oshinaike.
Omatshola Williams, Mercy Freely, Evelyn Oyome, Daniel Aikoye, Oladeide Yinka, Blessing Igho, were others winner in the tournament, marking the end of tenure of the outgoing captain.
Speaking at a well attended closing dinner Saturday evening, Adeyemo, beaming with smiles all through, expressed his gratitude to the club for the opportunity to serve, saying he will forever be grateful for the opportunity.
He also singled his committee members for praise for their support throughout his term in office.
But while Adeyemo was shaking hands and thanking all those who honoured his invitation, the question some were asking was, what’s the next thing for the man they call Mighty Joe?
“I will take a long rest, then return to play my golf and away from golf-politics,” he said.
PIUS ANAKALI
