TheDiggerNews
Bonny (Rivers, Nigeria): Murtala Saleh and Lady Gladys Tobin have emerged as top winners. Saleh won the men’s category, and Tobin excelled in the ladies’ category at the just-concluded 2025 NLNG Golf Classic in Bonny Island, Rivers.
The two-day invitational teed off on Friday and ended on Saturday at the Bonny Island Golf Club (BIGC).
Sponsored by Nigeria LNG, the tournament was the sixth annual classic.
No fewer than 100 golfers competed across categories on the scenic BIGC course.
Among the highlights, Saleh claimed the Men’s Division 1 title with a net score of 68, edging Peter Igbi on countback.
Lady Tobin topped the Ladies Division 1 category with a net score of 75. Kafayat Bamimore finished first runner-up on 76.
Saleh said winning the NLNG trophy for the first time was fulfilling after several near misses.
He described golf as a passion that brings joy, discipline and stress relief.
“Winning the NLNG Golf Classic for the first time is special. It’s a reward for patience, passion and years of dedication to the game,”he said.
He praised the tournament organizers and credited focus and experience for his victory.
Lady Tobin also expressed gratitude to the organizers, saying that the competition tested skill, patience and consistency.
She described the tournament as competitive and professionally organized, adding that the serene BIGC course enhanced the championship’s quality.
“This win means a lot to me. The course was challenging, but consistency and calmness made the difference,” she said.
The BIGC Captain, Abubakar Hussaini, claimed the best gross prize after posting an impressive gross score of 80.
The immediate past BIGC Lady Captain, Nnena Ahube, won the ladies’ best gross prize.
In the BIGC/NLNG Men’s Division 2 category, Sonny Fombo returned a net score of 65 to emerge the winner, while Oludare Oyegbami finished first runner-up with 73 net.
Bessie Obei won the BIGC/NLNG Ladies Division 2 title with a net score of 74, while Marytina Osuchukwu placed runner-up on 77.
In the Guest men’s category, Ewache Iyoko emerged as the winner with 68 net, while Michael Jaja finished as the first runner-up with 74 net.
Love Ndarake claimed the Guest ladies’ title with 72 net, while immediate past LGAN President, Evelyn Oyome, was runner-up with 75.
Osa Cookey emerged as the winner of the Veteran men’s category with 74 net, while Mark Yalaju finished as the first runner-up on 77 net.
Florence Edeki won the Veteran ladies’ category. Newly elected LGAN President Lami Ahmed finished as first runner-up ahead of her inaugural tournament scheduled for Feb. 14 in Abuja.
In the technical prizes, Charles Uleh won the longest drive award in the men’s category, while Ochade Ajabor claimed the ladies’ prize.
Joshua Anemeje won the men’s straightest drive award, while Bridget Ogwah took the honours in the ladies’ category.
Emmanuel Onyekwena won the men’s nearest-to-the-pin award, while Dr Atiemie Braide-Lolomari claimed the ladies’ prize.
Dr Sophie Horsfall is Chief Host and NLNG General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development. She said the event strengthened bonds among industry stakeholders.
Horsfall said its goal was to bring all NLNG stakeholders and partners from all over the country into an atmosphere of friendship and camaraderie.
She also said golf aligned with NLNG’s values of teamwork, excellence and national development.
“Golf brings people together. At NLNG, we see it as a platform for strengthening relationships and advancing our shared vision for Nigeria.
“The classic reflects NLNG’s commitment to partnership, unity and excellence,” she said.
At the close, BIGC Captain Abubakar Hussaini thanked participants and partners for honouring the invitation despite demanding schedules.
“I want to thank all the various organizations and golf clubs represented here, starting with our regulators, NCDMB and NMDPRA, as well as our shareholders, NNPC, Shell, Total and Eni.
“Thank you for honouring our invitation, as it takes some investment of time to come to Bonny to play our lovely and unique course.
“I hope over the last two days you have had the opportunity of playing and enjoying our beautiful surroundings,” he said.
Hussaini said the club remained committed to promoting golf and hospitality in Bonny.
