Matthew wins Sovereign Trust Insurance Golf Tournament

A member of Ikoyi Golf Club 1938, Desmond Mathew, on Sunday won the eighth edition of the Sovereign Trust Insurance (STI) Golf Tournament at the Ibadan Golf Club (IGC).

Supreme news reports that Matthew claimed the overall winner prize with a 148 Gross score over two days, beating Olajide Owolabi from Abeokuta.

IGC Competition Secretary Kunle Akinpelu, who won Insurance Open Golf Tournament in the Insurance category in 2024, also won the STI Insurance category prize.

Speaking after being presented with his prize, Matthew said he was elated with emerging the winner and attributed the success to hard work.

He said his next aspiration was to become a golf professional, and that he had started working towards it.

“I never saw this coming because I didn’t play very well on the first day. But hard work and determination saw me through,” Matthew said.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of STI Plc, Olaotan Soyinka, later said the company was proud to be associated with the IGC and what it represents in the larger society.

He, however, promised that the company would continue to stay true to their promise of committing resources to tournament, which he described as “second-to-none” in the country.

Soyinka added that STI Plc had consistently shown a commitment to the promotion of sports and the development of recreational activities of this nature.

“It is our intention to continue to nurture this relationship to yield more productive results.

“We will continue to do everything within our power to ensure continuity of this tournament of ours, while we will also be counting on you to support us through and through.

“Our association with this regal game is not in any way by accident, rather it is an exhibition of our brand personality and commitment to pace-setting initiatives in the Nigerian insurance industry.

“This is in line with our vision of being a leading brand, providing insurance and financial services of global standards in the last 30 years of our existence as an underwriting firm that has carved a niche for itself in a unique manner,” he said.

In his remarks at the occasion, the IGC Captain, Seyi Alaba, commended STI for fulfilling their commitment towards promoting the game of golf.

“The STI competition has been on hold due to several reasons that cut across COVID-19 and the economic situation in the country.

“But I am extremely happy today that we were able to bring back the STI Open Golf Tournament.

“We strongly believe that sports events will help in the strengthening of mind and body, such that apart from offering excellent insurance services to the citizens, you are equally supporting sports activities.

“What a better way to give back to society despite the economic situation,” he said.

NAN reports that no fewer than 250 golfers from across the country participated in the tournament.