…As Three Get PGA Certification From South Africa
Elite Global Golf Academy ( EGGA) may have succeeded in proving sceptics wrong as it has successfully completed training and mentoring three of its staff who recently were inducted as A Class Professional Golfers’ by
PGA, South Africa.
Dr. Elijah Ogbuokiri, Chairman EGGA, Elite Global Golf Academy, who disclosed this during a chat with journalists in Abuja on Thursday, named the successful A Class golf professionals to include Jimmy Paul Ogun, Ifeanyi Friday Onugu and Dan Abasiama Idem.
According Ogbuokiri, the A class Professional Golf certification which the three acquired is recognized in over 40 countries of the world.
Also speaking, Mrs. Uloma Mbuko Ogbuokiri, also known as Lady. Pro who is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of EGGA, expressed joy over the academy’s accomplishment, stressing that it is in line with the mission of EGGA which is to raise new generation of golfers and help existing golf professionals to become globally recognized .
“We educate existing golf professionals and upcoming golfers as to the business angle and profitability of golf industry in Nigeria on a regular basis. We raise the standard to world class.
“Today we are actually here to welcome the 2nd batch of A class Nigeria professional golfers from South Africa exactly 10 years after my graduation in 2013.
The road has not been easy but today we are thanking God as we went to South Africa last week and came back successfully with three gentlemen with their certificates from PGA South African as A Class professional golfers.
“Everything went smoothly, not only the graduation of the professionals, we were able to meet the Nigeria Consulate General in South Africa who celebrated with us at the graduation. It was an awesome ceremony.
“These are the three A Class golf professionals, Jimmy Paul Ogun, Ifeanyi Friday Onugu and Dan Abasiama Idem.
On her biggest accomplishment in golf so far, Mrs, Ogbuokiri said, it has always been a pleasure for her to sow seed in other People’s life.
“You can see that these guys are actually professional golfers now, recognized globally.
“The certificate they acquired is recognized in over 40 countries of the world. There is nothing that make me happy more than nurturing and mentoring someone to rise up to become Global Golf Professional. It gives me joy because it has been my dream. “Everybody in Nigeria thought it was impossible to do it. When I came back in 2013, many people were skeptical, is it true? Did it happen? Is she now a pro?
“Most people did not believe because there was no WhatsApp, Facebook etc. It was question of is it true or not? Seeing these gentlemen today, you have no choice than to believe that these guys are actually global Professionals now.
“There was nothing hidden on the activities before we travel to South Africa and what happened in South Africa. Is like a pregnancy that has been delivered.
Mrs. Ogbuokiri lamented the challenges of golf business in the country stressing that the free fall of Naira against the dollar has been very challenging.
“The financial aspect of it was the most challenging. They started the programme when Naira exchange rate was N270 to a dollar, by the time they were in year 2, Naira jumped up to N600 per dollar, by their 3 years, it was N800 per dollar. It was a challenge because it was three times of what they were suppose to pay.
“There were many difficulties. Envy, sabotage, discouragement has been a bit of a challenge. Fight everywhere both from clubs, national association who are suppose to encourage individuals and organisations to develop the game of golf in Nigeria .
“Imagine someone asking you, what are you doing with these dead bodies, trying to discourage you working with these guys who are A Class Global Golf Professionals today.
According to Dr. Ogbuokiri, comparing South Africa with Nigeria with regards to Golf development is like comparing death and sleep.
“Comparing golf game in Nigeria and SA with regards to available infrastructure, citizen and interest.
“What I saw in South Africa showed me how backward we are here in Nigeria. A lot is required if we must develop the game of golf in Nigeria to the world standard he said.