Afolabi clinches top prize at Amb Okoyen’s 60th birthday golf kitty
Damilola Afolabi has clinched the overall best net prize at the 60th birthday golf kitty held in honour of Ambassador Benaoyagha Okoyen at the TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club (TYB-IGRCC), Abuja. Playing off a handicap of 24, Afolabi returned an impressive gross score of 88 and net score of 64 to emerge overall […]
Damilola Afolabi has clinched the overall best net prize at the 60th birthday golf kitty held in honour of Ambassador Benaoyagha Okoyen at the TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club (TYB-IGRCC), Abuja.
Playing off a handicap of 24, Afolabi returned an impressive gross score of 88 and net score of 64 to emerge overall winner of the keenly contested event.
Ambassador Okoyen, a distinguished Nigerian diplomat, marked his 60th birthday with a week-long series of celebrations in Abuja, featuring various social and sporting activities. The golf tournament, which teed off on Sunday, October 12, attracted over 200 golfers, including professionals, amateurs, women, and veterans, all competing in different categories.
Guests and family members described the celebration as colourful and befitting, lauding Ambassador Okoyen’s remarkable contributions to both diplomacy and sports.
Her Excellency, Mrs Pauline Tallen, former Minister of Women Affairs, commended the celebrant, saying:
“I am here to celebrate Amb. Okoyen, who has joined the Diamond League.
I thank God for his life and wish him peace, good health, and long life,” she said.
Maj.-Gen. S.S. Jiya, Captain of the TYB-IGRCC, said “The ambassador turned 60 and decided to celebrate at our club. Myself and other members rallied around to honour this important milestone,” he said.
Dr Ali Peters, Vice Captain of the club, added “He loves golf and has supported this club over the years. I’ve known him for over 15 years, and he has always shown respect, dedication, and integrity. He truly represents what a diplomat stands for. “I wish him more time on the fairway, good life, more wins and accolades,” he said.
Resident Professional Mr Musa Usman praised the ambassador’s composure and popularity among golfers
“He is cool-headed and very unique. Since he chose to mark his 60th with us, professionals within and outside Abuja came together to honour him,” Musa said.
Mrs Okoyen reflected on her husband’s journey with warmth, saying “Today marks my husband’s 60th birthday. We’ve been together for over 26 years, and he’s truly a remarkable man. My prayer is that he soars like the eagle and achieves all he desires with God on his side,” she said.
Their daughter, Ms Okoyen, also expressed admiration for her father “My dad is one-of-a-kind. He always looks out for people and loves golf passionately,” she said.