FirstBank Reaffirms Commitment to Sports Development, Describes It as a Tool for National Unity

The FirstBank Group has restated its dedication to promoting sports development in Nigeria, describing it as a powerful instrument for unity, nation-building, and social progress.

Speaking to journalists at the closing ceremony of the Python Golf Club 2025 Amateur Open Championship in Port Harcourt, the Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank Group, Olusegun Alebiosu, emphasized the bank’s long-standing support for sports across the country.

“At FirstBank, we support sports nationwide because we believe sports play a vital role in fostering national cohesion and societal growth,” Alebiosu said.

He noted that the bank’s involvement extends beyond golf to other sporting disciplines such as football, basketball, tennis, and polo.

“FirstBank has a football academy and a team competing in the league, as well as a basketball team that has won several trophies. We also sponsor polo and other sports,” he added.

Alebiosu reiterated that the bank’s commitment to sports is part of its broader mission to drive social development and contribute to nation-building.

The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr. Raphael Onoshakpo, described the week-long championship—held from October 13 to 19—as a major success, noting that it attracted over 300 players from within and outside Nigeria.

Onoshakpo attributed the sport’s growing popularity to the post-lockdown period, which encouraged more people to take up golf. He added that the Python Golf Club has become a key training hub, producing more than 200 new golfers in recent years.

“Golf is a corporate sport that promotes networking and creativity. It’s great to see the enthusiasm and style that come with it,” he said.

Alebiosu also addressed the perception of golf as an elite sport, explaining that while it may not be as affordable as football, it remains open to anyone with interest.

“Golf is not for the rich alone. I started when I was a nobody. You can begin with used clubs and still enjoy the game,” he noted.

He further announced that FirstBank would host the 65th edition of its Lagos Open Golf Tournament on November 20, reaffirming the bank’s continued investment in sports.

“Today we’re supporting golf; next week, we’ll be in Kaduna for polo. FirstBank has been promoting sports for over a century,” Alebiosu concluded.

The seven-day championship attracted more than 400 golfers and their families from across the country, underscoring the growing enthusiasm for golf in Nigeria.