Over 150 golfers from across the country on Saturday converged on the Lamingo Golf Club, Jos, to celebrate the 50th birthday of the Chief Medical Director of Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Prof. Christopher Sabo Yilgwan, through a ceremonial golf kitty.

The colourful event, held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, attracted friends, colleagues, health sector stakeholders, and golf enthusiasts who gathered to mark the milestone birthday with a day of sporting activities and fellowship.

Speaking during the ceremonial tee-off, the Captain of the Lamingo Golf Club, Mr. Silas Vem, congratulated Prof. Yilgwan on attaining the golden age of 50, describing his choice of celebrating on the golf course as a reflection of his passion for fitness and healthy living.

Also speaking at the event, the Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, congratulated the celebrant and commended his leadership at the Plateau State Specialist Hospital. He noted that Prof. Yilgwan’s dedication and contributions to the health sector were evident in the large turnout of hospital staff and well-wishers at the celebration. The Commissioner prayed for God to grant the CMD continued wisdom and strength.

In his remarks, Prof. Yilgwan expressed deep appreciation to all who honoured him with their presence, describing the celebration as humbling and memorable.

Following the singing of the birthday song, Prof. Yilgwan officially kicked off the tournament. Other dignitaries who performed ceremonial tee-offs included Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, Dr. Kefas Zawaya, the Director of Administration of Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Mr. Jacob Dung, Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr. Williams Golit, Arc. Suleiman Umar representing KOSA, and Hadassah Yilgwan representing the Academy.

Several teams participated in the tournament, which lasted several hours before culminating in a reception at the Lamingo Golf Club House. The reception featured goodwill messages from the club captain, friends, and family members.

On behalf of the Lamingo Golf Club, Mr. Silas Vem once again congratulated Prof. Yilgwan, urging him to continue making well-thought-out decisions in service to society, given the wealth of experience he has acquired over the years.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Chief Robert Taple described the celebrant as “an icon in Mupun land,” expressing pride in his achievements and praying for good health and long life. Representing friends, Dr. Kefas Zawaya eulogised Prof. Yilgwan as a reliable and dependable individual.

Highlights of the celebration included the presentation of trophies and gifts to outstanding professional and amateur golfers, cutting of the 50th birthday cake, photographs, music, dancing, and general merriment.

In recognition of his outstanding leadership and commitment to sports, the Sports Committee of Plateau State Specialist Hospital presented Prof. Yilgwan with an Award of Excellence for his sportsmanship and transformative leadership at the hospital.

In his closing remarks, Prof. Yilgwan thanked all attendees for celebrating with him and prayed for God’s blessings upon them. The programme ended with a closing prayer, after which guests continued networking and exchanging pleasantries.