A major sporting celebration is set to grace the greens of Benin City as over two hundred golfers prepare to honor a distinguished Nigerian elder statesman. The Dr. Jackson Gaius Obaseki @ 80 Golf Tournament is scheduled to tee off, marking a significant milestone for the former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
A Fitting Tribute to an Octogenarian
The prestigious invitational event is a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Jackson Gaius Obaseki, who is celebrating his 80th birthday. The tournament will unfold from Wednesday, December 3, to Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the scenic Benin Club Golf Section (BCGS). Captain Stephen Ebaretonbofa unveiled the plans, confirming that participants have been drawn from across Nigeria and the international golfing community.
Ebaretonbofa emphasized that the event is organized by the BCGS Management Committee alongside other notable club members. He stated that the occasion will bring together friends, family, and golfing buddies to celebrate this remarkable life achievement. The gathering promises a blend of camaraderie, shared stories, and friendly competition on the fairways.
Tournament Schedule and Competitive Format
The action-packed schedule is designed to cater to various skill levels and categories within the golfing fraternity. The tournament will commence on Wednesday, December 3, with the caddies taking the spotlight on the course.
Thursday, December 4 is reserved for the professional golfers to showcase their elite skills. The following day, Friday, December 5, will feature a day of friendly rivalry with multiple categories in play:
- Veteran ladies and men
- Super veteran men
- Ladies with a handicap of 29 – 26
- Men with a handicap of 19 – 28
Grand Finale and Prize Presentation
The week of golfing festivities will culminate in a grand finale on Saturday, December 6. This final day will see the best golfers compete in the most competitive categories:
- Special guests
- Regular ladies with a handicap of 0-28
- Regular men with a handicap of 0-18
The champions will be crowned following the intense competition, with the event concluding in style. An exclusive dinner and prize presentation ceremony will immediately follow the final round, bringing the celebratory tournament to a close.
This event not only highlights the sport's growth in Nigeria but also stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and respect commanded by Dr. Jackson Gaius Obaseki within and beyond the corporate and social spheres of the nation.