(Posted 04th June 2024)
SOUTH AFRICA AIRWAYS EMERGES RUNNER UP IN THE CORPORATE TEAM GAME
FAAN WINS MEN’S SINGLE CATEGORY
In an elaborately colorful manner, the 3rd edition of the aviation industry recreational engagement that celebrates the relationship aviation has with sport, tourism and diplomacy — Aviation Cup Africa Golf Tournament — held over 2days of golf, banter and recreational convergence of the industry.
The tournament which held in Ikeja Golf Club over the weekend was declared open with a ceremonial tee off, by the Managing Director of Federal Airport Authority — Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, ably represented by the Director of Airport Operations, Capt. Abdullahi Mahmood — and Dr. Gabriel Olowo, the chairman of Sabre Travel Solutions.
The tournament which prides itself as the first sporting event to host Boeing, the world’s former no. 1 aircraft manufacturer, which only recently became no. 2, attracted participation in diverse forms, from 8 international and local airlines some of whom are major rivals, but didn’t mind showing up for the love of golf and aviation. The tournament also attracted, for the first time, Business Jet charters, MRO/FBOs.
The team of 2 golfers that represented each participating aviation brand withstood the downpour on the opening day, as they sort to outdo one another at scoring the highest Stableford points.
The duo of Chris Erhagbe and Abdulai Musa who played for Uganda Airlines carded combined Stableford points of 67 on Day 1 and 70 on Day 2, emerged as the winners of the Corporate Foursome team game.
Playing for South African Airways,
Guy Omene and Deji Johnson recorded combined Stableford points of 63 on Day 1 and 57 on Day 2, which earned them 2nd position.
Dare Olayiwola and Samuel Olowo from Sabre Travel Solutions came 3rd by carding 61 Stableford points on Day 1 and 54 on Day 2. Other participating teams included Etam Avitat, ExecuJet, Rwandair, FAAN, Arik Air.
Nasir Yahaya from FAAN emerged the winner of the Men’s singles category with a countback-superior 35 Stableford points. The victory earned him a business class flight ticket to Kigali, courtesy of Rwandair.
Speaking to reporters after ceremonial tee off, the representative of FAAN MD, Capt. Abdullahi Mahmood said “FAAN is proud to be associated with Aviation Cup Africa Golf Tournament. The event has grown in leaps and bounds in the last few years, and it is a great way to bond with other stakeholders while enjoying the beautiful game of golf. At FAAN, we care about the well-being of our people and will always promote healthy competition that usually brings out the best in humanity. Congratulations to the organizers on another successful event, and we look forward to taking more trophies next year.”
Reacting to the airline’s victory, the Country Manager of Uganda Airline, Patrick Zziwa said “We are grateful to Chris and Musa who withstood the pressure of the competition and kept cool heads on their shoulders until the very last putts, which culminated in the victory for Uganda Airlines.”
Stating the reason why the airline chose to be part of the tournament, Zziwa said “We are so pleased to have partnered with the Avaition Industry on 3rd annual Aviation Cup Africa Golf Tournament. This is one way we can promote sports tourism in the Avaition industry. We particularly thank the Organizers for such an initiative and teamwork towards achieving this goal.”
According to Fredrick Venter, Sales & Marketing Specialist at ExecuJet Nigeria FZE, “ExecuJet Aviation Nigeria FZE was open to participate in the tournament to network with the Aviation community and the Golf community”.
Venter added that it is the West Africa’s MRO/FBO’s way of giving back and embracing the unique relationship between Golf and Aviation.
Organizers of the event also recognized notable individuals who have paid their dues across the fairways and the runways by presenting to them ‘Aviagolf Veterans Recognition’. The honorees include Dr. Alex Izinyon, Dr. Gabriel Olowo, Air Cdre. Tokunbo Ajomale (rtd.), Grp. Capt. USA Sadiq, AVM Monday Morgan, AVM Solomon, Air Cdre. Funsho Adeleke, Air Cdre. Simon Okwuokei (rtd.).
Responding to questions, the chief organizer of the event and MD/CEO of Diplomacy Publishing & Events — Sòókò Deji Ajomale-McWord expressed joy over the success of the 3rd and the first 2-day edition, and the quality of organizations that pitched tent with the event.
