Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, yesterday performed the ceremonial tee off for the 2025 IBB International Golf and Country Club Captain’s Cup amid much fanfare.
Members of the Board of Trustees (BOT) lauded the outgoing Captain, Ibrahim Babayo, for his impactful tenure over the past year.
Represented by Maj Gen Adetokunbo Faweyiwo, the Army chief stated that golf is an integral part of military culture and pledged continued collaboration with the club. “As military personnel, the game of golf is part of our identity, and as you know, the Captain’s Cup is an annual event. We shall remain involved. On behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, I wish everyone a successful tournament, and let us enjoy good recreation and fellowship together,” Tokunbo remarked.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the ceremonial tee off, the former Minister of Water Resources and BOT member of IBB International Golf and Country Club, Engr Suleiman Adamu, commended outgoing Captain Babayo for enhancing the course’s greens and overall standards at the club.
“We anticipate a highly competitive tournament and look forward to welcoming the winner of this year’s Captain’s Cup.There is evident enthusiasm among club members; it has become an annual ritual that we cherish. The outgoing captain has accomplished a tremendous amount during his tenure. A year or two ago, the greens on this golf course were far from satisfactory, below the club’s standards. However, we have witnessed significant improvements, innovations, the upgrading of the access gate, and renovations of the Club House.
I am confident that there will be widespread appreciation from members for the outgoing captain, Ibrahim Babayo.”
The President of the Nigeria Golf Federation and fellow BOT member, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, described the Captain’s Cup as a unique opportunity to highlight the achievements of the outgoing Captain Babayo, praising him for leaving behind a commendable legacy. “The Captain’s Cup offers a special chance to showcase the contributions and achievements of the outgoing captain. Captain Babayo has excelled—he has established structures, and I hope the incoming captain can uphold these standards. This tournament has fostered strong familial relationships among golfers, particularly in Northern Nigeria. Recently, we have secured several excellent sponsors who are now recognising golf as a viable business in Nigeria. I wish the outgoing captain all the best in his future endeavours.”
In her remarks, the past Lady Captain of IBB Golf Club and BOT member, Mrs Grace Ihonvbere, commended Ibrahim Babayo for his accomplishments. “It is always a joy for a captain to organise his Captain’s Cup or Captain’s Day to showcase his achievements, as I did a few years ago as a past lady captain. I am delighted to be part of this year’s edition and am always here to celebrate with outgoing captains and lady captains. Alhaji Babayo has performed admirably; he has contributed significantly.
The improvements on the course are evident, the condition of the greens is excellent, and various renovations have occurred. He has done quite well.”
No fewer than 300 golfers are vying for prestigious honours at this year’s tournament, aptly titled “Tiger Bows Out,” celebrating the successful tenure of Ibrahim Babayo.
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