It was a colourful blend of faith, fellowship, and fairway finesse at the Ikoyi Golf Club, Lagos, on Thursday, as ninety golfers from across Nigeria converged to honour Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos,. The event, a special Golf Kitty, marked the Archbishop’s 13th Episcopal Anniversary and 42nd Priestly Ordination Anniversary in grand style. Organised by the Catholic Golfers Association of Nigeria, the tournament attracted golfers from across the southern part of the nation, with participants representing clubs such as Ikoyi, Shasha, Ikeja, Benin, and Ibadan.
The ceremonial tee-off drew dignitaries and respected club members, including former Chairman of Ikoyi Club, Mr. Tafa Zibiri-Aliu, setting the tone for a day that combined athletic competition with spiritual celebration. Archbishop Martins, warmly received by the golfing fraternity, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the gesture. For him, the Kitty was more than a game, it was a ministry opportunity. “I am grateful for this anniversary Golf Kitty organised by the Catholic Golfers Association of Nigeria in my honour. It is an opportunity to bring the good news about Jesus Christ to the golf community,” he said, reflecting on the Church’s longstanding contribution to grassroots sports in Nigeria. Adding a symbolic layer to the event, the Archbishop praised the choice of blue and white as the official colours of the tournament.
He explained that blue is the colour traditionally associated with the Blessed Virgin Mary, while white symbolises holiness. “Combined, they present a perfect picture of holiness which I see the golfers here on the course represent. I wish the golfers a great time competing for honours,” he said with a smile. Sir Emmanuel Okene, Chairman of the Catholic Golfers Association of Nigeria, paid glowing tribute to Archbishop Martins, commending his steadfast pastoral leadership over the years. “He was installed as Archbishop of Lagos on 4th August 2012 but first ordained a priest on 18th September 1983. On behalf of all the golfers and all present, I wish him happy anniversaries and many more fruitful years of celebration in good health,” he declared.
Sir Okene also acknowledged the dedication of the planning team that made the event a reality. The committee included Dr. Isichei Osamgbi, Mrs. Fatumata Coker, Sir Peter Osamgbi, Dr. Austin Irabor, an Anglican noted for his close ties with the Catholic community, and several Catholic priests such as Reverend Fathers Paul Ijasan, Michael Olofinlade, Nsikak Ibanga, and Pat Bassey. Their combined efforts, he noted, exemplified the spirit of collaboration and faith-inspired commitment. Themed “Swinging for the Faith”, the Golf Kitty sought to highlight the role of Catholic golfers as ambassadors of evangelisation through sports. “It is my hope and belief that this mustard seed will grow strong, taking the model of two strong institutions she embraces—the Catholic Church and the Game of Golf,” Sir Okene remarked.
Beyond the symbolic and spiritual significance, the event also had a competitive edge. Several trophies were at stake in categories such as Veterans (men and women), Best Net, Best Gross, Nearest to Pin, and Longest Drive. As golfers teed off under the bright Lagos skies, camaraderie, faith, and healthy rivalry blended seamlessly, making the day a memorable celebration of both the Archbishop’s milestones and the unifying power of sport.
