EWOTGT: Ade-Ojo credits golf for longevity, fitness at 88

Chairman of Toyota Nigeria Limited, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo.

Chairman of Toyota Nigeria Limited, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo, has credited golf for his enduring fitness and strength at 88, describing the sport as an essential part of his lifestyle, Sunday PUNCH reports.

Ade-Ojo showed that age has not diminished his ability when he took on the challenging course at the Smokin Hills Golf Resort, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, during the Elizabeth Wuraola Ojo Toyota Golf Tournament. The event is organised by Toyota Nigeria Limited in honour of his late wife.

The 88-year-old said he still played because it exercised his whole body.

“At my age, I still play golf because it is a way of exercising my whole body. It keeps me fit and strong. It is a way of life for me. Come next year, I will still play again,” he said.

He expressed satisfaction with the turnout of golfers from across the country, describing the tournament as a growing platform for celebrating his wife’s life and legacy.

The founder of Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, said the event was conceived to keep alive the memory of Elizabeth Wuraola Ojo by celebrating her good works and contributions.

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“It is a time to definitely remember her, her good works and just the amazing woman that she was. The strength of it has grown year-to-year, and I think it is going to continue to grow and remain a memorial to her,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the tournament would continue to grow in stature and remain a fitting tribute.

The 2026 edition, played on November 13 and 14, opened with professional golfers on Friday, before amateur male and female golfers took their turn on Saturday.

Both days started at 7am in a shotgun format. A prize of ₦10m was earmarked for any golfer who made a hole-in-one, while the tournament closes with a gala night and prize presentation, where the “Amiable Woman of the Tournament” award will be presented.

The award was instituted in Ojo’s memory to recognise outstanding sportsmanship and to encourage more women to take up golf.