After more than a decade of captaining the prestigious Ibom Golf and Country Club, taking the Club and golf sport in Akwa Ibom through series of upward transformations, Hon Usenobong Akpabio, finally passed the baton on Saturday, October 26. In his seemingly emotional farewell speech, Hon Akpabio expressed the satisfaction that he was handing over to someone who was equally experienced not only in the leadership of the Club, but also in the business of golf.
“I’ve been captain for more than a decade. If you look at the line-up of people who are going to man the affairs of this golf club, I tell you sincerely that they are capable hands. You cannot fault them”, Mr Akpabio said. “Starting from the Captain, I can tell you Don Chi-Chi is someone who has understudied me. I’m happy that the transition process brought a square peg for a square hole”.
Mr Isua Archibong better known by his play name ’Don Chi-Chi’, was the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Club until his emergence as Captain. “I am very happy that today, we are going to handover the reigns of power to Isua Archibong, whom I am confident will take the Club to a higher level”, Mr Akpabio further said while addressing members and guests at the Club House shortly after the management committee inaugural kitty.
For members of the Club, the emergence of Mr Archibong as Captain marks a new era for Ibom Golf considering his experience in leadership and management of the Club’s affairs and commitment to the golf sport. Many are very optimistic that the new management committee will meet the expectations of the Club in terms of quality leadership and innovative ideas because of the calibre of people in the team.
Maryanne Udoka, who was inaugurated as Lady Captain, said she was absolutely confident in Mr Archibong’s ability to lead the Club to greater heights, adding that as a member of the new management committee, she was ready to give her full support to the Captain and the entire team.
Lady Udoka noted that Mr Archibong, while previously serving the Club as PRO, had shown qualities of a leader that the Club deserves, saying prominent among them are teamwork spirit, inclusiveness, humility, and innovative ideas. “Don Chi-Chi as Captain is definitely a development we are optimistic about and we are looking forward to the new era. As a member of his team, I can’t say how proud I am because I know this is a team that will succeed”.
While thanking members of the Club for giving her the opportunity to serve, she promised to promote inclusiveness in order to encourage members to be actively involved in all activities of the Club. “I want to extend my deep gratitude to all the members of Ibom Golf Club for placing their trust in me. This role is not only a privilege but also a responsibility which I’m fully committed to embracing”, she said.
Restating what will be the core drive of the new management team, the Lady Captain said, “Golf is more than just a game; it is a community, a tradition, and a lifelong passion that unites us. I am excited to be part of a team that will foster the spirit of sportsmanship in all members regardless of their skill level. Together, we shall continue to make our darling club a welcoming place for both our old and new members so they will have a relationship with golf that will blossom. Ours will continue to be a club where good memories are made. In the coming year, we will be promoting inclusivity, to encourage members to participate in all our events”.
For Engr Akan Udi, a founding member of the Club, the close affinity between the outgone Captain and the new Captain over the years should foster a seamless transition and accelerated growth for the Club. Describing the administration of Mr Usenobong Akpabio, he said, “Exceptional. One word is enough and perfectly captures it”. On the new Captain, he said, “Don Chi-Chi has been very close to Usenobong and has understudied him. So, obviously, he has learnt a lot. We expect that Don Chi-Chi will just continue a seamless transition. We expect the new management committee to take this club from where we are to many steps higher”.
Another member of the Club, Udeme Eset, was of the opinion that Hon Usenobong Akpabio would be most remembered for being a servant-leader and down-to-earth Captain, who made “members to enjoy his leadership and the Club”. Expressing his thoughts on the new Captain, he said, “He is equally a nice guy, intelligent and very creative. I feel he is going to do well because when he puts his mind into something, he does everything to succeed”.
Mr Eset, did not however mince words on his expectations. “I am expecting him to apply wisdom in his leadership so he can go places. As human, he will step on toes but one thing about the golfing family is that if we have issues, we resolve our issues amicably within ourselves. He is stepping into a big shoe so I am expecting him to also be a servant-leader”.
It was an overwhelming affirmation and vote of confidence from many other members whom I spoke with on Isua Archibong as Captain of the Club. The general reaction was that of excitement, and optimism. Many were of the strong opinion that the Isua Archibong-led Management Committee was coming with a renewed sense of purpose while sustaining the legacies of the previous administration.
In his inaugural speech, Mr Archibong, who noted that it was a profound privilege to serve the Club, said he was deeply humbled by the trust reposed in him and his team, expressing his heartfelt gratitude to the Management Committee, the Board of Trustees, and the entire membership of the Club on his appointment as Captain.
“We recognize that we may not have unanimous alignment with the Management Committee’s vision, but we extend an olive branch, seeking the support and cooperation of every member. Your honest feedback is very invaluable, and we invite suggestions on how to propel our club forward.
“We pay tribute to our immediate Past Captains, Captain Emeritus Usenobong Akpabio and Ndifreke Ukochio, and their dedicated team for their tireless efforts in navigating challenging times. Their labour will not be in vain”, he assured.
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Disclosing his team’s plans for the Club, he said, “In the coming days, we will communicate our short and long-term plans, shaped by the upcoming Management Retreat. To inform our discussions, surveys and questionnaires will be circulated to members, and your feedback will be integral to our deliberations.
“Post-retreat, we will develop a comprehensive blueprint to position Akwa Ibom State as Nigeria’s premier golf destination. Our goal is to create exceptional club and golf programs catering to the comfort and needs of our members, partners, and the broader golfing community”, he added.
The Captain expressed heartfelt gratitude to Governor Umo Eno, the Grand Patron of Ibom Golf and Country Club, for his unwavering support in maintaining the golf course and for appointing a new Management Committee to lead the club forward.
In addition, he acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, and the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh, for their consistent commitment to the club’s success and the growth of golf in the state. Mr Archibong also expressed deep gratitude to all the sponsors and partners who contributed massively to the inaugural outing.
Other members of new Management Committee are; Maryanne Udoka, Lady Captain; Ubong Uwah, Secretary; Onofiok Onofiok, Competition Secretary; Asuquo Udoh, Treasurer; Barr Edidiong Idiong, Legal; Ekemini Umoh, PRO; Eno Effiong, member; Victor Ebitu, member; Nse Willie, member; and Andy Nkim, member.
The inauguration, which was marked with a kitty, held at the Club House of Ibom Golf Course. At the end of the kitty, Unyime Umoh won the Longest Drive in the ladies’ category while Usenobong Akpabio won in men’s category. Esther Thompson won the Veteran category for the ladies while Akan Udi won for the men. Victor Ukpong won Category 21 – 28; Nse Willie won Category 13 – 20; Otu Ekanem won Category 0 – 12, while Usenobong Akpabio was the overall winner.
