CROSSCREEK GOLF CLUB CELEBRATES DR. DEJI AKINWALERE WITH A SPECIAL TOURNAMENT
On Saturday, March 22, 2025, Crosscreek Golf Club, located in Ilado Akure, hosted a special tournament to honour Dr. Deji Akinwalere, the club’s immediate past captain. This event celebrated his two years of meritorious service and his immense contributions to the club’s progress during his leadership.
Golfers from Ondo, Ekiti, Shagamu, and Akure gathered to compete in this prestigious tournament.
Barrister Sola Abidakun, the founder of Crosscreek Golf Club, explained that the purpose of the tournament was to recognize Dr. Akinwalere for his exceptional leadership and the strides he made in advancing the club. “Dr. Deji Akinwalere served as Captain for two years, and as the accolades and praises pour in, it is clear that he has truly elevated the club,” Abidakun remarked.
He continued by highlighting the benefits of joining the club for newcomers. “The club speaks for itself,” he said. “Members can enjoy playing both 9-hole and 18-hole courses, create meaningful connections, and improve their mental health.”
Barrister Abidakun also spoke passionately about the universal appeal of golf. “Golf is not just a sport; it’s a way of life. It’s a tourism asset that the people of Ondo State should embrace.”
Dr. Deji Akinwalere, a retired Permanent Secretary in Ondo State, reflected on the club’s journey. “Crosscreek Golf Club in Ilado has become a pioneer golf course in Akure. Within five years, we’ve reached remarkable heights, attracting golfers from abroad. Our course is regarded as one of the best, not just in Ondo State, but in the entire southwest region,” he said.
Akinwalere expressed his pride in the club’s achievements and its role in nurturing young talent. “We are training children who will excel in golf. In the near future, the name of Ondo State will be synonymous with golf, just as it is with football,” he said. He urged new inductees to embrace the challenges of the game and interact with experienced golfers to further their development.
Pastor Isaac Isedowo, the current captain, expressed his satisfaction with the tournament, praising Dr. Akinwalere for his remarkable impact on the club. He also commended the founder, Barrister Abidakun, for initiating such an event, which he believes will benefit not only current members but future generations. Captain Isedowo thanked all participants and encouraged new inductees to continue upholding the club’s standards.
Hon. Tayo Abidakun, Chairman of the Ondo State Golf Federation, took the opportunity to thank the Governor of Ondo State for allocating funds to support the participation of golfers from Ondo State in the upcoming National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State, in May 2025. He expressed confidence that the athletes would bring gold medals home to Ondo State.
Abidakun also challenged the new inductees to embrace the game wholeheartedly, noting that golf offers numerous rewards, both personally and professionally.
Ben Agbi, the National Golf Competition Secretary, who officiated at the tournament, emphasized the importance of adhering to the rules and ethics of the game. “Honesty is the hallmark of golf,” Agbi said. “It’s essential that all golfers maintain integrity and follow the rules wherever they play.”
One of the newly inducted members, Mrs. Alabi, expressed her excitement about joining the club, especially as she nears retirement in her civil service career.
At the conclusion of the tournament, winners in various categories were celebrated and rewarded for their exceptional performances.
This event served as a reminder of the rich legacy of Crosscreek Golf Club and the continuous growth it experiences under the leadership of passionate individuals like Dr. Deji Akinwalere.