By Patrick Ochei
Nollywood actors and actresses under the aegis of Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) have showered encomiums on Delta born billionaire and international lawyer, Prince Ned Nwoko for sponsoring a Golf Tournament at Mount Ned Nwoko Golf Course Idumuje-Ugboko in honour of veteran actor, Chief Pete Edochie.
Speaking in a ceremony after the honorary golf competition, the President of AGN, Mr. Emeka Rollas appreciated the Star Prince for such humanitarian gesture shown to Pete Edochie, who is not just a veteran in the movie industry but one that is adored and held in high esteem.
Rollas described Prince Ned Nwoko as a good man with a mission to transform his country both in terms of development, economic fortunes and value re-orientation, adding that Pete Edochie would never forget him for this honour.
He said that the AGN would not forget the affectionate love Ned Nwoko had shown to one of its own.
According to him; “Just last three weeks the AGN paid a visit to Prince Ned in Abuja, with the veteran Edochie in the delegation. Just there the philanthropist found out that our mentor would be 73 on March 7 and he told him to go and start practicing to play golf. Instantly he promised to host a golf tournament in his country home, Idumuje-Ugboko to honour him on his birthday.”
“Today we are here to witness that promise happen. We are glad for the resources you have put in place to organise this event with professional golfers drawn from various locations of the country.”
“To play and to host a golf tournament is very expensive. Only Ned Nwoko could have done that, singlehandedly in honour of a Nigerian actor. We ask God to bless him and continue to endow him with more resources for the good of humanity”, he said.
As a mark of respect for his numerous contributions to golf development in Nigeria, the lady golfers in South-South Zone pledged to make Ned Nwoko a Patron.
Speaking on behalf of the group, the President, Ladies in Golf Association, South-South Zone, Juliet Monye ascribed the intended honour as a respect to the personality of Prince Nwoko, for all his assistance to the development of golf in Nigeria.
Another group, organizers of 28 Days in Delta Reality Show, sponsored by Ned Nwoko to celebrate the 28 years anniversary of the State, presented an award to the philanthropist.
In his response, the Star Prince appreciated everyone that graced the occasion. He said there is a lot golf can offer humanity.
He said; “I always like to support sporting events particularly golf, but i don’t play golf. I love Lawn Tennis; but may be I will start playing golf from 70.”
While donating a golf kit to Pete Edochie which was received on his behalf by Mrs. Rita Edochie, he explained how he met him three weeks ago in Abuja and encouraged him to start playing golf.
Nwoko affirmed that he was constructing an 18 hole golf course at the proposed Stars University, Idumuje-Ugboko, assuring that in few months it would be ready to host bigger golf tournaments. He said the Moroccan Ambassador to Nigeria, TAGMA Mohaou Ali had accepted to co-host the next tournament.
It was an interesting tournament and those who emerged winners from the various categories of contest were rewarded.
