Banner Online News

By Chibuzor Kingsley

The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, OON, on Saturday, December 20, 2025 officially teed off the maiden edition of the Prof. Epiphany Azinge (Asagba of Asaba) Golf Tournament at the Ibori Golf and Country Club (IGCC), Asaba, marking a significant addition to the sporting and social calendar of the Delta State capital.

The colourful ceremony also featured the formal decoration of the monarch as Patron of the Ibori Golf and Country Club, following his acceptance of the appointment by the club’s leadership.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Azinge expressed gratitude to the Captain of the Club, Chief Patrick Ukah, as well as members of the Executive Committee and the Board of Trustees, for the honour bestowed on him. He commended the organisers for the successful staging of the tournament and applauded participants for their enthusiasm and sportsmanship.

The Asagba personally presented trophies to the winner, first runner-up and second runner-up, congratulating them on their outstanding performances.

In his address, the monarch reflected on the historical evolution of Asaba, tracing its journey from early discovery through the era of the Royal Niger Company to its emergence as the capital of Delta State in 1991. He noted that the city has since developed into a major hub for tourism, hospitality and socio-economic activities.

Describing the Ibori Golf and Country Club as a vital asset to the Asaba Kingdom, Prof. Azinge urged traditional title holders, political leaders and indigenes of Asaba to support the club through membership and active participation. He expressed satisfaction with the condition of the golf course and encouraged the management to sustain its maintenance.

Demonstrating his commitment to the club’s growth, the monarch kick-started the proposed Cart Shade Project with a donation of ₦5 million. In a similar gesture, Obi Onyemanaogeme Ajufoh and Hon. Engr. Kennedy Okafor donated ₦500,000 each, alongside financial pledges from other members.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Captain of IGCC, Hon. Chief Patrick Ukah, thanked the Asagba for honouring the club with his presence and for accepting the position of Patron. He formally decorated the monarch, alongside members of the Board of Trustees, describing his patronage as a significant boost to the club’s vision and future development.

The event drew a large gathering of traditional rulers, political leaders, golfers and other distinguished guests from within and outside Delta State.