Yusuf Azeez emerged as the overall champion of the 2026 Valentine’s Day Kitty held at the Tukur Yusuf Buratai International Golf Resort and Country Club (TYB-IGRCC) in Abuja.
Azeez, playing off a handicap of 28, returned scores of 89 gross and 61 net to claim the top prize.
In Men’s Division 2, Jerry Ishaya finished as runner-up with 90 gross and 62 net.
Prince David won Men’s Division 1 on a countback after posting 73 gross and 68 net, while Ugo Nkwocha placed second on countback ahead of Hamza Mohammed, with all three tied at 68 net.
In the ladies’ category, Hauwa Adamu secured first place with 81 gross and 81 net. Maryam Ibekwe was second with 82 net, and Olivia Adesua finished third with 85 net.
The veterans’ men category saw Nurudeen Abdulsalam win with 83 gross and 65 net, while Okeke Odili and Ralph Ugwu came second and third, respectively.
In the guests’ division, Pius Waritimi claimed the top spot with 88 gross and 62 net, edging Doris Jema, who returned 99 gross and 63 net.
The club also concluded its highly competitive Club Championship Matchplay across various divisions.
In the Singles Matchplay Men, Yakubu Wambai emerged as Club Champion, with C.O. Okoro in second and Peter S.O.O and E.B. Awala sharing third place.
Nkechi Nwaogu won the Singles Matchplay Ladies, followed by Olivia Adesua in second and Sarah Kudi in third.
Pro David Gabriel topped the Singles Matchplay Professionals, while Pro James Okoromi finished second.
The Doubles Matchplay Men title went to D. Ladan and I.S. Ali. Wayo Aondohemba and Eddy Shok were second, while Ali Peters/Prince David and John Uche/Saturday Utubor shared third place.
In the Doubles Matchplay Ladies, Richard-Obioha Maryrose and F. Anyanwu won first place, with Sarah Kudi and Tina Luka second, and Joyce Barber/Rose Nyam and Olivia Adesua/Cynthia Nana sharing third.
Musa Usman and Moses Bitrus claimed the Doubles Matchplay Professionals title, while Emmanuel Odoh and Cynthia Maurice came second.
The Club Championship highlighted the spirit of healthy competition and camaraderie that define the TYB-IGRCC golfing community.
Brig.-Gen. Nicholas Ashinze, Captain of TYB-IGRCC, said more than 200 members participated in the event, describing it as a platform to foster unity, friendship, and sportsmanship among members and their families.
“The Valentine’s Kitty combines competitive golf with social engagement, giving members a chance to celebrate camaraderie and love,” he said, noting that participants also enjoyed music, comedy, dance, and refreshments.
Former Captain Maj.-Gen. Samson Jiya praised the club’s leadership for sustaining its vision, highlighting the steady growth in membership and events.
Vice Captain Dr. Ali Peters acknowledged the founders, Grand Patron, Life Patron, Patron, and senior officers for their continued support, and specifically thanked Lt.-Gen. T.Y. Buratai, the club’s Life Patron, for his foresight in establishing the club.
Lady Captain Jumai Adamu highlighted increasing female participation at the club’s events and encouraged more women to take up golf for fitness, networking, and recreation.
The General Manager, Warrant Officer Salisu Aliyu, described the tournament as well-organised and successful, while member Jide Kashimu noted that the Valentine’s Kitty perfectly blended competitive golf with social bonding and encouraged the club to maintain the initiative in future editions.