The Western Naval Command, Nigerian Navy, on Saturday held the 9th edition of the Flag Officer Commanding’s Golf Tournament at Dolphin Golf Club, Navy Town, Lagos, with more than 120 participants taking part in the competition.
The Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, described the tournament as a platform for promoting physical fitness, professional networking, mentorship and stronger relationships between the military and civilian communities.
Mustapha, who spoke during the event, expressed appreciation to God and participants for the successful tournament, noting that the event recorded the highest number of registered players since its inception despite being shifted several times.
He particularly acknowledged the presence of retired senior naval officers, including Rear Admiral B. Raji, whom he described as one of the finest admirals produced by the Nigerian Navy and a mentor whose guidance had contributed to his professional development.
According to him, golf goes beyond sporting competition as it creates opportunities for people from different sectors and ranks to interact freely, exchange ideas and build lasting relationships.
He said the golf course also provides a unique environment for junior officers and ratings to interact with senior serving and retired officers, ask questions about their careers and benefit from their experience without the usual protocols associated with formal military engagements.
The FOC said the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, had emphasised the importance of taking sports to a higher level in the Nigerian Navy, stressing that physically and mentally fit personnel would be better prepared for operational responsibilities.
Mustapha said he therefore made the FOC Golf Tournament a priority after assuming command, adding that the 9th edition featured increased prizes and awards as part of efforts to encourage wider participation.
He also commended the tournament’s organising committee, the Captain and Lady Captain of Dolphin Golf Club and all participants, including civilians, serving personnel and retired officers, for contributing to the success of the event.
The FOC said sports could strengthen inter-agency cooperation because the tournament attracted participants from the military, police, prisons and other sectors, adding that such interaction could promote better understanding and cooperation in support of national security. He also commended the Chief of the Naval Staff for his commitment to infrastructure development, including the completion of projects at Navy Town, and expressed optimism that more Navy golf facilities would receive attention.