By Ilekam Ikechukwu
West african golf champion in the amateur category, mr Bill Amechi has bullishly expressed commitment to bringing back the amateur african cup back to Nigeria. Speaking to newsmen at the grand finale of the recently concluded 1st Abia Golf Governor’s cup tournament hosted by His Excellency Governor Victor Okezie Ikpeazu (PhD), the executive governor of abia state at the mainbowl of the prestigious aba sports club, the vastly experienced banker hinted at the possibility of bagging the coveted
award defying opposition odds;
“I should have been making headlines in this regard by now, but the adverse effect of the covid 19 pandemic last year hampered my chances of participating in the african championship which was regrettably blighted by the pandemic, hopefully by next year when the tournament gets underway i have what it takes to have the trophy brought back to Nigeria, i make this promise to my fellow Nigerians that I’m gonna make them proud”.
The recently concluded golf event was a fitting scene for a player whose talent is undeniable but personal backstory is either left unexplored or lost in translation for the mainstream golf audience outside Nigeria and beyond the shores of the african continent. A weeklong event that fielded over 70 golf professionals, and over 300 amateurs, the highlight point had 2 cars being won by G Kayode of Python Golf Club and Pro Bako of Kano State
When quizzed on how golf in nigeria can match the parallels in a country like the USA, the imo state born banker affirmed thus;
“The peculiar issue with Nigeria affects everywhere, the sport sector isn’t exempted, when you don’t have the standard base for practice, lack of full training facilities, absence of supporting environment, good weather,and over there golf is a fulltime profession that puts food on your table, so these are major issues which calls for a review so as to match the strides there in america.
Mr Bill Amechi also a Regional Manager in Ecobank Nigeria Limited Aba had to draw a line between playing golf and meeting the grueling demands of banking profession.
“Golf is not just a leisure, is a hobby for me, so for those of us in business banking, you need to indulge yourself in activities that bring you towards people you can strike deals with, good business deals are struck in the golf courses”. The dexterous golfer concluded!
With playing golf and addressing the demands of banking in view, the seasoned banker envisages a sublime balance of skill and efficiency.
