First Bank reaffirms commitment to sports development, expands investment across Nigeria

By Seun Ibiyemi

First Bank of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sports development across the country through increased investments and strategic partnerships aimed at nurturing young talents and fostering national unity.

The Chief Executive Officer of First Bank Group, Olusegun Alebiosu, stated this during the finals of the 2025 Amateur Open Championship sponsored by the bank at the Python Golf Club, Port Harcourt, on Monday.

Alebiosu noted that the bank’s continued support for various sporting activities reflects its long-standing dedication to youth empowerment and community development.

“Apart from sponsoring this 2025 Python Amateur Open Championship, we have been supporting sports in the country for over a century,” he said.

According to him, First Bank has made significant contributions to the development of golf, football, basketball, tennis, and several other sports across Nigeria. 

He announced that the 65th edition of the Lagos Golf Open, which would feature players from across the world, is scheduled to hold soon.

The CEO also highlighted the bank’s support for the recently concluded E1 GP (Electric Powerboat Race) in Lagos, the first of its kind in Africa, describing it as part of the bank’s broader initiative to promote sports innovation and inclusion.

Alebiosu further disclosed that First Bank’s investments extend into football through First Bank FC, which competes in the Nigeria National League (NNL), and in basketball through its women’s team, the Elephant Girls, multiple-time national league champions and FIBA trophy winners.

“First Bank has also invested in tennis as part of our broader plan to promote sports development in Nigeria. We pride ourselves on being woven into the fabric of society, and one of the ways we give back is through sports,” he added.

Addressing the perception that golf is a sport for the wealthy, Alebiosu dismissed the notion, saying many golfers come from modest backgrounds.

“I started playing golf when I was a nobody. 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 explained that while football is generally cheaper to play, golf can be affordable with used equipment and modest membership fees, depending on the club.

Alebiosu attributed golf’s limited popularity in Nigeria to poor awareness and misconceptions about the sport, noting that golf remains one of the best ways to exercise the body and sharpen the mind.