TYB Golf Club inducts Ayu, Wada, 111 others at 2026 Kitty

By Anan Geolengs

The TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club (TYBIGRCC) on Saturday inducted 113 new members into its growing community during its third induction kitty in Abuja.

The event attracted prominent personalities, including former Senate President, Dr Iyorchia Ayu; Sen. Ezenwa Onyewuchi; AVM Ayodele Hanidu; and Dele Oye.

Also inducted were former Kogi Governor, Capt. Idris Wada, and his wife, Hajia Halima Wada, among other distinguished personalities.

The induction kitty combined competitive golf with activities designed to integrate the new members into the club’s sporting and social community.

The programme featured an induction ceremony, oath-taking, presentation of induction packages, a clubhouse tour, a cocktail reception and a putting competition coordinated by the club’s resident professional.

The Captain of the club, Brig.-Gen. Nicholas Ashinze, said the induction was an important milestone in the club’s efforts to expand its membership and strengthen its traditions of excellence, sportsmanship and fellowship.

Ashinze said the club was committed to creating an environment where members could develop their golfing skills, build lasting relationships and contribute to the growth of the sport.

“We are delighted to welcome 113 new members into the TYB family. Their induction reflects the confidence people have in our club and the value they place on golf as a sport that promotes discipline, integrity and friendship,” he said.

He said the club would continue to provide opportunities for members of different backgrounds and skill levels to participate in golf and enjoy the benefits of an inclusive sporting community.
“Our vision is to build a club that combines sporting excellence with strong social values. We want our members to feel welcome, participate actively and become ambassadors for golf wherever they go,” Ashinze said.
The Captain commended the organisers, members and guests for contributing to the success of the event, adding that the club would continue to organise activities that encouraged participation and strengthened its reputation.
The Vice-Captain, Dr Ali Peters, said the turnout at the induction kitty demonstrated the growing appeal of TYBIGRCC and the increasing interest in golf as a platform for recreation, networking and community building.
Peters said the event offered the new members an opportunity to experience the club’s sporting culture while interacting with established golfers and other distinguished guests.
“The induction kitty is more than a golf competition. It provides an opportunity for new members to connect with the club, understand its traditions and become part of a community united by a passion for golf,” he said.
He added that the club would continue to encourage healthy competition and create opportunities for golfers to improve their skills and participate in regular tournaments.
“We want every member, whether a beginner or an experienced golfer, to feel included and motivated to participate. Through regular competitions and social activities, we can nurture talent, strengthen friendships and contribute to the development of golf in Nigeria,” Peters said.
In the main competition, Godwin Gabriel, playing off handicap five, emerged overall net winner in the inductees’ category with a gross score of 72 and a net score of 67.
Gabriel described his victory as an encouraging start to his membership of the club, saying he was delighted to emerge winner in a competition that attracted golfers and distinguished personalities.
“I am excited to win the net category, especially at an event organised to welcome new members into the club. It is a memorable experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to compete and come out on top,” he said.
He said the result would motivate him to improve his game, participate more actively in the club’s competitions and build stronger relationships with fellow golfers.
“Golf requires patience, concentration and consistency. This victory will encourage me to keep working on my game, learn from more experienced players and maintain the discipline needed to perform well in future tournaments,” Gabriel said.
He commended the club’s leadership and organisers for providing an opportunity for new members to showcase their abilities while fostering friendship and healthy competition.
K.K. Yusuf claimed the best gross prize in the inductees’ category with 83, while Mike Ekoja Onoja finished runner-up in the net category with 73 after returning 85 gross off handicap 12.
Nana Abubakar won the best lady prize in the inductees’ category with a net score of 68, having returned 90 gross off handicap 22.
In the guests’ category, Bernard Onzima emerged best net player with 70, after recording 85 gross off handicap 15.
In the members’ regular category, Moses Omopariola claimed the best gross prize with 74, while Makrub Datu won the best net prize with 67 from a gross score of 85 off handicap 18.
Andrenyong Ehidiamben finished runner-up in the members’ net category with 68, having returned 86 gross off handicap 18.
In the members’ ladies’ category, Judith Igwugwu won the best net prize with a reported score of 68, while Henrietta Anegbode finished runner-up with 74.
Vera Oduyebo claimed the best gross prize in the category with 101.
In the veterans’ category, D.D. Ahmadu emerged best net player with 71 from a gross score of 85 off handicap 14.
Oyo-Ita E. finished runner-up with a net score of 73 after returning 83 gross off handicap 10.
In the special skills contests, Shesudeen Haladu won the men’s nearest-to-the-pin prize after placing his ball two feet from the hole.
Omopariola won the men’s longest-drive contest with a drive of 258 metres, while Abubakar claimed the ladies’ longest-drive prize with 259 metres.
The event reinforced TYBIGRCC’s commitment to promoting sporting excellence, networking and social engagement among members and guests.
The induction kitty is part of the club’s efforts to expand its membership base and strengthen its position as a destination for golf and social interaction in Nigeria.