15th October, 2016
Eberechi Nyesom-Wike, the wife of Rivers’ Gov. Nyesom Wike, on Saturday lauded a former Chief Judge of the state, Daisy Okocha, for her contributions towards golf’s development in the state.
A statement by Simeon Nwakaudu, Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor, quoted Nyesom-Wike as also commending Okocha for her contributions to the growth of the game nationally .
It said Nyesom-Wike made the commendation while unveiling Hole 12 of the 18-hole course at the Golf Section of Port Harcourt Club named after the retired Justice Okocha.
“The wife of the governor expressed delight that it is the first time a hole is being named in honor of a woman who was also the first female chief judge of Rivers State.
“She appreciated Okocha’s contributions to the game of golf, having served as a Lady Captain and won a bronze medal in golf at the 1989 National Sports Festival in Lagos.’’
The statement further quoted Nyesom-Wike thanking the Port Harcourt Club’s Golf Section for honoring Okocha as a mark of respect for ladies.
In her response at the occasion, Okocha was quoted as describing the unveiling as historic, noting that it was a thing of pride for the ladies.
“By this singular act, the Golf Committee has demonstrated equal opportunity for both men and ladies to own the course,’’ the statement quoted Okocha as saying.
Earlier at the event, Captain of the Port Harcourt Club Golf Section, Emmanuel Okene, had noted Okocha’s role in the golf section.
He said part of the sponsorship was that whenever there was a competition in the course, there would be a Hole-in-1 prize in the hole.
“There will also be the `Nearest the Pin’ prize for both men and ladies,’’ the statement quoted Okene as saying.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highlight of the unveiling was the ceremonial tee-off by Retired Justice Okocha, followed by a golf tournament for men and women.
The event was attended by the first governor of old Rivers and Amanyanabo of Twon Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff.
Others were a past president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), O. C. J. Okocha, the Lady Captain, Judith Obomanu-Assisi, and other golf