Innocent C. Ike, a former managing director and chief executive officer of Polaris Bank, has received recognition for his work in advancing golf in Nigeria.
Ike was recently recognised by the Nigerian golfing community during the Innocent C. Ike Classic, a two-day invitational tournament hosted at the Lakowe Lakes Golf Resort in Lagos, Nigeria.
On day one of the competition, female golfers faced off against each other, while on day two, male golfers competed for coveted prizes in a variety of categories.
Over 150 amateur and professional golfers participated in the 18-hole classic, which was an unheard-of carnival of joy, remembrance, and vigour.
The awarding of awards to winners in several categories was the event's high point. Tim Ayomike finished as the second runner-up, while Mohammed Suleiman was declared the overall champion in the male category. In the Men's division, Sadiq Edu took home the award for the farthest drive.
Maryanne Udoka, a staff ambassador for Polaris Bank and a golfer, won the women's category for players with a handicap of 19 to 36 and a net score of 68, while Candy Agu won the category for players with a handicap of 0 to 18. The winner of the Ladies' category's longest drive was Sila Ojo.
Messages of congratulations and goodwill from Nigerians from all walks of life were interspersed throughout the ceremony.
Expressing delight on the contributions of Ike, the Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and President of the Nigerian Golf Federation, (NGF) Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, commended him for setting a standard for corporate Nigeria to emulate. In his words, “I feel proud to be associated with the achievements of Mr Innocent Ike. The Golfing community has immensely benefited from his support in promoting the game, and the values Golf represents. Through his support to the Golf community, Polaris Bank has been widely decorated as “Nigeria’s Most Golf Friendly Bank.”
Speaking at the event, Dr M. I. Okoro, the immediate past Captain of the Golf Section of Ikoyi Club 1938, applauded Ike for supporting many Golf clubs, including Ikoyi Club 1938 Golf section, IBB Golf Club, Ikeja Golf & Country Club and a host of others in Nigeria. An elated Dr Okoro noted, “It is no wonder why representatives from various clubs have come together on a day like this to say thank you,”.
The Chairman of Ikoyi Club 1938, Ademola Mumuney, appreciated Innocent Ike for his strides in taking the Polaris brand to the nooks and crannies of the Nation through a strategic partnership with Golf Clubs in Nigeria. He affirmed, “Polaris Bank sponsored the Ikoyi Club 1938 Range fence project to bring safety to the game at the Club. This initiative availed them of a three-year branding right to the project. His partnership with golf stakeholders endeared him to the game, and he is now an enviable golfer.
On her part, Ekanem Ekwueme, the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) Past President noted, “I would like to appreciate Mr Innocent Ike for his immense support to the golf federation; he supported all golf clubs in Nigeria through mutually beneficial partnerships. A prime example of this was the recently held Nigerian Golf summit where Polaris endorsed the initiative.”
Engineer Ibrahim Aminu Bagudu, Captain of the Kaduna Golf Club 1921, expressed his delight “Mr. Innocent C. Ike has brought so much joy to Golf in Nigerian. We in Kaduna will never forget your support in hosting the First Royal tournament as part of the Kaduna Golf Club’s centennial celebrations.”
One of Nigeria’s most ranked Pro Golfers, Sunday Olapade of Ikoyi Golf Club Nigeria, thanked the former MD/CEO for supporting Professional Golfers in the country.
Olapade expressed gratitude to the former MD for the assistance he provided to his career; to showcase his talent all across Africa.”
In his response, Innocent C. Ike thanked everyone, especially the committee of friends and organizers who helped put Kitty together in his honour. He praised the golfers for using the game of Golf to impact people’s lives positively.
“Your actions today truly say a lot about golfers and the golf community; the camaraderie and spirit of working together have continued to engender a positive impact on lives,” Ike said.
As Managing Director and Chief Executive of Polaris Bank, Innocent C. Ike was credited with initiating a post-pandemic partnership initiative which supported many Golf Clubs and associations in Nigeria to execute amateur and professional competitions. This initiative has helped to stimulate greater participation and promote unity and business development amongst golfers across the country.
Other notable golfers at the Kitty were Eze, Dr Patrick II Chinedu Acholonu; Senator Emma Anosike the immediate past captain of IBB Golf Club.
Mohammed Abdullahi, Executive Director Polaris Bank, and Ayotunde Coker, MD of Rack Centre, among others.
Polaris Bank, Mixta Africa, and Rack Centre were among the corporate sponsors for the vibrant event.