Yusuf Azeez has emerged overall winner of the 2026 Valentine’s Day Kitty organised by the Tukur Yusuf Buratai International Golf Resort and Country Club (TYB-IGRCC).
Azeez, playing off handicap 28, returned 89 gross and 61 net to clinch the top prize.
Jerry Ishaya finished runner-up in Men’s Division 2 with 90 gross and 62 net.
In Men’s Division 1, Prince David won on countback after returning 73 gross and 68 net. Ugo Nkwocha placed second on countback ahead of Hamza Mohammed, with all three players tied on 68 net.
In the ladies’ category, Hauwa Adamu won with 81 gross and 81 net. Maryam Ibekwe finished runner-up with 82 net, while Olivia Adesua placed third with 85 net.
Nurudeen Abdulsalam won the veterans’ men category with 83 gross and 65 net. Okeke Odili and Ralph Ugwu finished second and third respectively.
In the guests’ category, Pius Waritimi won with 88 gross and 62 net, defeating Doris Jema, who returned 99 gross and 63 net.
The club also concluded its Club Championship Matchplay across various categories.
In the Singles Matchplay Men, Yakubu Wambai emerged Club Champion, with C.O. Okoro finishing second, while Peter S.O.O and E.B. Awala secured joint third place.
In the Singles Matchplay Ladies, Nkechi Nwaogu claimed the top prize. Olivia Adesua finished second, while Sarah Kudi placed third.
In the Singles Matchplay Professionals, Pro David Gabriel won, while Pro James Okoromi finished second.
The Doubles Matchplay Men title went to D. Ladan and I.S. Ali. Wayo Aondohemba and Eddy Shok finished second, while Ali Peters/Prince David and John Uche/Saturday Utubor shared joint third place.
In the Doubles Matchplay Ladies, Richard-Obioha Maryrose and F. Anyanwu clinched the title. Sarah Kudi and Tina Luka finished second, while Joyce Barber/Rose Nyam and Olivia Adesua/Cynthia Nana shared joint third place.
In the Doubles Matchplay Professionals, Musa Usman and Moses Bitrus claimed the star prize, with Emmanuel Odoh and Cynthia Maurice finishing second.
The Club Championship highlighted the competitive spirit and camaraderie within the TYB-IGRCC golfing community.
The Captain of the club, Brig.-Gen. Nicholas Ashinze, said more than 200 members participated in the event, describing the kitty as a platform to promote unity, friendship and sportsmanship.
“This event provides opportunity for camaraderie and celebration of love among members, friends and colleagues,” he said, noting that the open setting enhanced interaction with music, comedy, dance and refreshments.
The immediate past Captain, Maj.-Gen. Samson Jiya, commended the leadership for sustaining the club’s vision, while the Vice Captain, Dr. Ali Peters, appreciated the founders and senior officers for their continued support.
He particularly thanked the club’s Life Patron, Lt.-Gen. T.Y. Buratai, for his vision in establishing the club, noting that it has provided golfers with an alternative venue following the temporary closure of the IBB Golf Club.
The Lady Captain, Jumai Adamu, said female participation at club events continued to improve and encouraged more women to embrace golf for fitness and networking.
The General Manager, Warrant Officer Salisu Aliyu, described the tournament as successful and well coordinated.
A club member, Jide Kashimu, said the Valentine’s kitty successfully combined competitive golf with social bonding and urged the leadership to sustain the initiative in future editions.