The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has assured its continuous commitment to provide a veritable platform for youths to excel, describing sports as a powerful platform not just for entertainment but for empowerment, engagement, and national integration.
CBN governor, Olayemi Cardoso stated this while giving closing remarks at the just concluded 46th CBN Open Tennis Championship, which was held at the tennis courts, package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Represented by CBN’s acting director of corporate communications, Hakama Sidi-Ali, Cardoso said the apex bank believes firmly in the power of sports, particularly tennis, to shape life, discover talents and build unity.
She said the championship has shot into the limelight hitherto unknown young girls and boys who have gone to represent Nigeria in international competitions and win laurels for the country.
While praising the players for the spirit of sportsmanship displayed during the championship, the CBN helmsman commended the leadership of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, led by its president, Ifedayo Akindoju, for its consistency and commitment in organising the tournament year in and year out and recognised the media for its widespread coverage.
She said, “The Central Bank of Nigeria Senior Open Tennis Championship is organised in collaboration with the Nigerian Tennis Federation. For more than four decades, the CBN has been a proud sponsor and a firm believer in the power of sports, particularly tennis, to shape life, discover talents and build unity.
“Through this championship, we’ve seen young men and women rise from obscurity to become national champions. You’ve not only competed; you have inspired. Beyond the court, the Central Bank of Nigeria remains passionate about the holistic development of the Nigerian youths. We recognise sports as a powerful platform not just for entertainment but for empowerment, engagement and national integration.
“These belief drives our numerous youth-focused initiatives, such as the Youth Entrepreneurship Development Program, the MSMEs Development Fund, the Agric Business Investment Scheme, Creative Industry Financing Initiative,the Tertiary Institution Entrepreneurship Scheme and others aimed at nurturing innovation, entrepreneurship and self-reliance among youths. We encourage young Nigerians to explore and benefit from these opportunities.
Sidi-Ali added, “I wish to specially acknowledge the Nigeria Tennis Federation for their dedication and professionalism in organising this championship year after year. Your partnership is invaluable. We also recognise the media for the consistent and widespread coverage of this event. Your role in promoting this game and amplifying its impact cannot be overstated.
“To our champions, congratulations. Wear your titles with pride and let them propel you to greater heights. To those who didn’t win today, remember every setback is a set-up for a stronger comeback. Keep thriving. To our enthusiastic spectators, thank you for your decorum, energy, and unwavering support. On behalf of the Central Bank of Nigeria, I affirm our commitment to nurturing talents, promoting excellence and supporting initiatives that foster unity and development.”
Winners of the Championship, however, have promised to remain focused on ensuring Nigeria becomes a force in the racket game globally.
Michael Emmanuel, who defeated unseeded Ikenna Okonkwo in the men’s final 7-6, 3-6, 6-2 said that with regular competition, his dream of sustaining the tempo would materialise.
He said, “I’m really excited. This is my first title, and I’m happy to have it. I’m expecting it really badly because I don’t want to lose it. Because it’s my first, I’m really happy to have it. And to do so at the professional level, not only at the national.”
Winner of the women’s category, Adesuwa Osabuohien, who came from behind to defeat Emmanuel Essien
3-6, 6-4, 6-1 in a rain-interrupted final, she described her victory as unprecedented.
“No matter what circumstances they may have, they keep training and believing in themselves. Anything is possible. There is an exciting, amazing experience. Good experience for my first Nigerian tournament. We have to get ready for Billie Jean King Cup to move to group two. So we prepare for that,” Adesuwa stated.
NTF President, Akindoju, applauded the CBN for its steadfast commitment to the development of tennis in Nigeria over the past decades.
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