Veteran female golfer and newly appointed member of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of IBB International Golf and Country Club, Mrs Grace Ihonvbere, has announced her decision to withdraw her candidacy for the prestigious position of captain of the IBB Golf Club.
Ihonvbere shared this news with journalists on the sidelines of the ceremonial tee-off for the recently concluded Ibrahim Babayo Captain’s Cup tournament. As one of only two women to previously submit a nomination for the captaincy—a historic first for the club—she explained that her decision to step aside stemmed from her recent appointment to the BOT by the federal government.
“I initially believed I was qualified to run for the captaincy due to my past achievements as lady captain, my passion for the game, and my contributions to golf development. Although another lady was also contesting for this position, I have made the decision to withdraw my candidacy following my appointment to the BOT. This is another first for me, as I am the first woman to hold a position on the BOT under the leadership of Justice Dongban-Mensem,” Ihonvbere stated.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, inaugurated the expanded Board of Trustees of IBB International Golf and Country Club on Friday, with Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, President of the Appeal Court, serving as the Chair of the board. Justice Dongban-Mensem succeeds General I.B.M. Haruna (retired). Other new members of the BOT include Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, S.I. Ameh (SAN), Hamid Abbo, Admiral Victor Adedipe (rtd), Suleiman Adamu, Chief Patrick Chidolue, and Mr Ikokwu.
In her remarks, Ihonvbere expressed confidence in Justice Dongban-Mensem’s ability to elevate the standards of IBB Golf Club to an international level.
“Things are evolving, and the world is changing. We have capable women ready to assume various roles, and I am grateful to the federal government for appointing the current members of the BOT. With the support of all club members, I am certain we will witness positive changes at the club,” she concluded.
