Dennis Dilli was crowned the overall champion of the golf kitty organized for Maj. Gen. Godwin Umelo’s (Rtd.) 60th birthday at the TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club in Abuja.
Last week Wednesday, the four-day tournament began and it wrapped up on Saturday night with a grand ceremony to honor the retired general’s milestone celebration.
Dilli, competing with a handicap of 24, achieved a gross score of 88 and a net score of 64 over 18 holes to secure the top award. He expressed that the moment was “special,” particularly after years of narrowly missing out, as he was thrilled by his first tournament win.
It felt special because it is the first ever win in a tournament,” Dilli said. “I have been playing in a lot of tournaments here at the club for a long while, but have never won anything. Many of my friends even discouraged me not to bother playing in any tournament again, but I refused to give up until I finally achieved my goal.”
He credited his success to consistency and integrity, encouraging fellow golfers to stay committed. “So, my message to everyone here today is to keep on playing and playing fairly. It is all about being nice to yourself as well as the people you play with. You must also have that sense of integrity and sincerity in all you do,” he added.
Dilli also thanked the celebrant and organisers, noting that Umelo’s goodwill had drawn people from various walks of life to the event.
In the men’s division 1 (handicap 0–14), John Odoh (handicap 5) won best net with 72 gross and 67 net, while Melody Adekunle (handicap 12) posted 81 gross and 69 net to finish as runner-up. Joel Bizinta came in third, and Saturday Otubo claimed best gross with 74.
In the ladies division 1, Lizzy Samuel (handicap 16) secured best net with 90 gross and 74 net. Grace Luka followed closely with 92 gross and 76 net.
Other winners were Dibu Ojerinde (Super Veteran), A. Mandara and Martins Adaboh (Veteran), and Moses Idoko, who led the professional category with a 66 gross and claimed N580,000. Oche Odoh and Musa Usman, who finished in second place, earned N510,000 and N380,000 respectively.
Similarly, during the tee-off ceremony, Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), praised Maj. Gen. Godwin Umelo (Rtd) for his contributions and service to the country.
The CDS remarked that commemorating him through golf symbolizes unity, emphasizing that the Armed Forces represents unity.
“Our aim is to bring Nigeria together and help Nigerians realize that our country is great. We should love Nigeria a bit more.
“We can only make a difference by loving our country. The difficulties we are experiencing stem from a handful of individuals who do not have our best interests at heart.
“Their goal is to ensure Nigeria’s destruction and our self-destruction, but we will always thwart their chances.
“Together, as one, we are more powerful, improved and greater,” he stated
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