200 Amateur Golfers Square Off At 62nd First Bank Golf Lagos Open Golf

By Aderonke Ojediran

No fewer than 200 amateur golf players will compete at the 62nd edition of the First Bank Golf Lagos Open scheduled to tee-off from Nov. 16 to Nov. 19 at the Ikoyi Club,1938 golf section.

Olusegun Alebiosu, Executive Director, Chief Risk Officer, First Bank, who represented the Managing Director, Adesola Adeduntan, said this at a press briefing in Lagos.

Adeduntan reiterated FirstBank’s commitment toward supporting golf, which he described as aspirational sports that connected people in order to network.

“The First Bank brand is proud to be the headline sponsor of this prestigious golf open, being the sponsor for 62 consecutive years shows the commitment to our brand.

“It is a testimony to the fact that first bank is rock solid.

“I’d like to appreciate the Ikoyi Club 1938 golf section for being a solid partner over the years, we welcome on board our old and new co-sponsors.

“Golf is an aspiration sport that entails commitment, focus and hard work, which are some of our brand’s watchword as well. It’s going to be an exciting tournament,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that over 54-holes will be the target for the three-day event.

The tournament is a World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) listed competition that attracts the best amateur golfers, not only in Nigeria but across the world.

The first day of the tournament will be dedicated to charity as teams from other golf clubs will compete; money realised will be given to two charities.

The Captain, Golf Section of Ikoyi Club 1938, Wahab Sarumi, applauded the bank for continuously promoting the game of golf for the past 62 years.

“ We’re proud to be in partnership with first bank, they are truly the first, they have sponsored this tournament steady for more than six decades, this is commendable.

“Thank you for making use of the facility at the Ikoyi Club 1938,” he said.

Similarly, Abiona Babatunde, the General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Motors, said as part of its strategic partnership, Coscharis Motors was also sponsoring a hole-in-one competition on a specific hole.

“Any one that gets a hole-in-one will win a Ford Edge Mid SUV 2022 edition.

“We’re proud of the accomplishment of first bank and the development of golf, this is our contribution as partners of first bank, may the best man win,” he said.

Also, Bayo Ali, Commercial Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, said the Diageo Company was elated to be a partner with first bank.

“We hope to have our Singleton lounge ready so participants can have a feel of our newproduct,” he said.

Ismail Omamegbe, the bank’s Head of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, Media and External Relations, said the brand considered Corporate Social Responsibility as high priority.

“We’re committed to our responsibility as a brand to the society. We understand the importance of sports to the teeming youth population and we remain committed,” he said.

NAN reports that Emmanuel Ojeabulu, winner of the 61st first bank Lagos Open Golf Championship has been listed in the WAGR. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko