First Bank of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sports development across the country through increased investments and strategic partnerships.
By Desmond Ejibas
First Bank of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sports development across the country through increased investments and strategic partnerships.
Olusegun Alebiosu, Chief Executive Officer of First Bank Group, made the remark during the finals of the First Bank-sponsored 2025 Amateur Open Championship held at the Python Golf Club, Port Harcourt on Monday.
He stated that the bank’s continuous investment in sports was part of its dedication to discovering and nurturing talents as well as fostering national unity.
According to him, First Bank has made significant contributions to the development of golf, football, basketball, tennis, and other sports across Nigeria.
“Apart from sponsoring this 2025 Python Amateur Open Championship, we have been supporting sports in the country for over a century,” he said.
Alebiosu highlighted the forthcoming 65th edition of the Lagos Golf Open which, he said, would feature players from around the world.
He also said the recently concluded first E1 GP (Electric Powerboat Race) held in Lagos was the first of its kind in Africa and was part of the bank’s efforts to develop sports in the country.
He added that the bank had also invested heavily in football through its ownership of First Bank FC, which competes in the Nigeria National League (NNL), the second tier of Nigeria club football.
“We also own a female basketball team known as the Elephant Girls, which has won the national league multiple times and represented Nigeria in continental tournaments and winning FIBA championship trophies.
“First Bank has also invested in tennis as part of our broader plan to promote sports development in Nigeria. We are doing quite a lot.
“We pride ourselves on being woven into the fabric of the society, and one of the ways we give back to society is through sports,” he said.
Addressing the common perception that golf is a sport reserved for the wealthy, Alebiosu refuted the notion.
“I started playing golf when I was a nobody. I am sure that many people who play golf today are not rich.
“So, golf is not a rich man’s game. Many of the players may not be poor, but they are certainly not all rich either,” he said.
He acknowledged that football was generally affordable than golf but noted that anyone interested in golf could start by purchasing used equipment instead of new kit.
“After that, you simply pay an annual membership fee, and that’s all. In some golf clubs, there is even no green fee – you just play,” he added.
Alebiosu said poor awareness and the misconception that golf was a sport for the elite was the major reasons for its limited popularity in Nigeria.
He stressed that golf was an excellent way to exercise the body and sharpen the mind.
Dr Raphael Onoshakpo, Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the championship, said the tournament which commenced on Oct. 13, featured about 300 amateur and professional golfers from Nigeria, Cameroun and Côte d’Ivoire.
He explained that the objective of the tournament was to harness and showcase the wealth of golfing in the country.
According to him, participants were grouped into different categories, including caddies, veterans, amateurs, and professionals.
“Out of the 300 players participating in this event, we have categories that include players aged above 60 years and veteran golfers who have excelled in the sport.
“We also have about 40 professional golfers, lower-handicap players, and sponsors participating in this seven-day tournament,” he said.
Onoshakpo added that winners of the championship would receive trophies, prizes, and various electronic appliances, including smart televisions, refrigerators, air fryers and air conditioners, among others.
He noted that the game of golf has witnessed significant growth in Nigeria, particularly following the COVID-19 lockdown, which encouraged more people to take up the sport. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)