Former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, joined a host of dignitaries and golf enthusiasts over the weekend to honour Julie Donli, the outgoing Lady Captain of the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.
The occasion formed part of the 2025 IBB Lady Captain’s Cup, a week-long celebration of golf and leadership that culminated in a dinner and award ceremony at the club on Sunday.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Jonathan praised Donli’s dedication and achievements during her tenure.
“I sincerely congratulate my dear friend and sister, Lady Captain Julie Donli, OON, and the entire members of her team for a successful tournament to mark the end of her tenure,”
“Keep it on. Don’t go and relax. Continue playing and continue to make us proud, we, the women of Nigeria,” she said.
Other prominent personalities also paid glowing tributes to Donli, describing her tenure as transformative for the Ladies Golf Section (LGS) of the club.
Olusegun Runsewe, President of the Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), lauded Donli’s impact, saying, “She ensured that the club had one of the most active and effective LGSs during her tenure. We feel very proud today of this great lady captain.”
Maureen Tamuno, Group Managing Director of Abuja Investments Company Ltd, hailed Donli’s women-supporting women leadership style, noting the exponential growth in participation at the club’s weekly tournaments.
“The kitty tournaments every Thursday grew from about 30 players to over 200,” she said.
Golf enthusiast and public figure Nkechi Nwaogu also commended Donli for setting a high bar in club leadership and fostering a joyful golfing atmosphere.
Club Captain Ibrahim Babayo described Donli’s tenure as vibrant and impactful, praising her commitment to elevating activities and morale at the club.
In her remarks, Donli expressed gratitude to guests, colleagues and sponsors for their support throughout her tenure.
“I am so excited, relieved, happy and thankful. God has been good to me. He gave me good health, strength, and amazing people to work with,” she said, extending special appreciation to Jonathan for her enduring support.
Donli, a former Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), also expressed confidence in her successor, pledging continued support for the incoming leadership.
Meanwhile, the former First Lady has recently made headlines over reports alleging that 15 of her aides have been detained for nearly six years at the Okaka Custodial Centre in Bayelsa State without trial.
The Nigerian Correctional Service has since denied the allegations, stating there is no record of such illegal detention at the facility.
