.. Golfers, friends, others donate for project realization in February 2026
The Sapele Athletic Club, SAC, Golf Section Captain Alexander Fritz Verhees says his vision is to build a new golf pavilion for the golfuse comfortably in their activities.
The SAC Golf Section Captain Verhees made this disclosure Thursday, December 4, in Sapele during the grand foundation opening ceremony of the new Golf Pavilion. According to him, the Golf Section of the Sapele Athletic Club was established in 1897 and was the first Golf Club in Nigeria, adding that the current Golf Pavilion was built by SEABOARD GROUP and last renovated around 1990.
The Orodje of Okpe Kingdom His Majesty Major General Felix Mojakperuo (Rtd) Orhue II, laying the foundation block for the new Gulf Section Pavilion building, while Chief Verhees & others support
He posited that for over a century, the Sapele Golf Club has provided a place for friendly golfing exercises, competitions, recreation, and social interactions for the people of Sapele and golfers from all over.
Recounting that in 2017, Chief Peter Asagba took over the captaincy to revive the Golf Club, attract new golfers, and rebuild the full perimeter fence, which was all done through his passion for golf and the Golf Section, noting that the full construction of the perimeter fence was done by the Golf Section under the leadership of Chief Asagba, appreciating his encouragement and energy passed on to him.
Okpe Monarch Orhue II (4th right) Chief Alexander Verhees Captain (6th Left) Sapele Local Government Area Chairman, Chief Abeke (5th Left) & other golfers shortly after the foundation laying
Chief Verhees said that in 2023 he took over as the Captain, and they have grown the membership of the SAC Golf Section from 20 members to over 80 members and are still expecting more members as they have organized big tournaments attracting golfers from Lagos, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Abuja, Warri, and Benin.
Chief Alexander Fritz Verhees, Captain Sapele Athletic Club (Gulf Section)making a remark, while others observe.
He appreciated the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom for his support and encouragement leading to the building of the new Pavilion, also hailing the President of the Sapele Athletic Club, SAC, Chief Francis Maku, for approving the construction of a new Golf Pavilion as well as the Golf Section in supporting the realization of the project and support from friends and family for their continuous encouragement towards the project.
Chief Verhees commended Architect Tony Unuavworho, Ovie of Mosogar, Chief Omizu Odebala, Ambassador Akpesiri Unukegwo, Chief Godwin Egigba, and Seplat Energy Plc for their massive support.
The golf expert revealed that the new Pavilion will cost up to 300 million Naira, appealing for more generous donations, saying the edifice, when completed, will add value to the golfing community, attract more golfers, and create more business in Sapele, noting that current tournaments attracted around 120 to 150 players and “our ambition is with this new Pavilion to grow our membership further, develop larger corporate events with Seplat Energy Plc, Life Flour Mill, MTN, Nigerian Breweries, Platform Energies, Awartise Energy, and others.
“A key golf tournament on our list is to organize in 2026 the first Governors Cup in Sapele. This will help to put Sapele on the map. Our governor is from Sapele.”
The Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Orhue I, prayed for the club and Golf Section to succeed as he made a huge donation to the growth and realization of the new Pavilion.
Some golfers and close associates of the club also donated to the new Pavilion project.
Chairman of Sapele Local Government Area, Chief Bright Abeke, Chief Faith Gbagi, Chief Godwin Egigba, Chief Clifford Sagay, Barr. Kingsley Udebor (Sir K), oldest golfer Pa. Paul Amos and others were among several others who were present and also supported the new Pavilion project.
