Golfers honour late founder

The Zuma Rockers Association has honoured its late founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Enesi Oyeyani Makoju, with a memorial golf kitty. The competition saw participation of over 150 golfers from friends and associates of the late Enesi, and produced winners in several categories. The categories include Ladies, Gentlemen, veterans and invited guests. […]

The Zuma Rockers Association has honoured its late founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Enesi Oyeyani Makoju, with a memorial golf kitty.

The competition saw participation of over 150 golfers from friends and associates of the late Enesi, and produced winners in several categories.

The categories include Ladies, Gentlemen, veterans and invited guests.

Speaking during the event, the President of the Association, Engr. Afam Godwin, said the tournament was organised in recognition of Enesi’s legacy.

He described him as a man who went out of his way to impact society and did not consider tribe or religion when relating with others.

He said this was exemplified by the contestants who participated in the tournament, which had no monetary reward.

“The tournament is about encouragement because the game of golf in Nigeria has been misconstrued, with people saying it is for the rich and not for the poor. But that is not the truth. The truth is that the game of golf is for everybody. That is why we decided to award everyone. The fact that you are receiving an award is a motivation.”

“So, it is not about what you have in your pocket; it is about interest. Once you have an interest in playing the game, what Enesi would do is help you. For instance, if you need a club, which can be very expensive, he would go out of his way to buy one for you. This way, even an orphan or someone who is poor would have the tools to play the game.”

“Yes, registration for clubs, for instance, to become a member may be very expensive, but Enesi would go out of his way to pay for you, and you would become a member for free.”

On her part, Enesi’s mother, Dr. Gladys Makoju, said what gives her joy is that although her son died one year ago, a group of people in Nigeria chose to remember him, which is rare in the country.

His wife, Bisi Makoju, stated that as time passes, she knows it is difficult for the golf community, family members, and friends to process his death. “But I think what is more important to all of us is that every time we remember his life, we thank God for what he enabled him to do, and we reflect on the things that were important to him, which were helping the poor, being impactful, building people, and not competing with them.”

One of the contestants and overall best net winner, Engr. Christian Akase, described Enesi as a good and jolly fellow.

He said winning one of the categories serves as a psychological boost.

“For me, it is a bragging right, especially to people who aspire. Golf is like life, so it serves as an inspiration for those who aspire to achieve their desires—go for it.”