The Deputy Governor, Operations Directorate, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Adebisi Shonubi, has reiterated the commitment of the apex bank to continue its support to the game of golf in the country.
Shonubi made the remarks on the sidelines of the ceremonial tee-off of the 14th edition of the Central Bank of Nigeria-sponsored Governor’s Golf tournament, on Saturday, at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.
He said that the idea to continue the bank’s support to the game was borne out of its desire and interest to be part of an activity that affects the lives of people, both mentally and physically.
“We are here this year and have been here so many other years before and we recognise that no matter how hard you work, it is necessary that one also interacts with the community where you belong.
“Golf is one of those games that challenges you both mentally and physically. It allows us to share and so we’ve picked Golf here at the club as one of the sports that we would support every time.
“We’ve sponsored this tournament consistently for the past 14 years and I am confident that we will continue to do so,” he said.
Shonubi noted that the objective of the Golf tournament was to create a relaxed and recreational atmosphere for distinguished personalities in Government, as well as the organized private sector, especially after the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He noted that the enthusiasm amongst the players was a lot more this year than in the past, adding that there were so many entries this year that the organisers had to trim down the number.
“I think many people have come off the pandemic thinking that they are the better for it in Golf and there is much more competition amongst the players than in previous editions of the tournament.
“Indeed, it is an opportunity to shake off the rust of COVID-19 and the negative effects of sitting at home, as well as the friendship, which is very important,” he said.
Maryrose Richard-Obioha, the Lady Captain of the IBB International Golf and Country Club, expressed gratitude to the CBN for their continuous support to the sport.
“I must commend the CBN for its consistency and sustained commitment in its support and sponsorship of this tournament over the years.
“They have indeed really lived up to expectations and I must give kudos to the organizers for putting up a much more spectacular event this year in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said.
Richard-Obioha said she was hopeful that a female would emerge as the overall winner of this year’s tournament and put an end to the dominance of their male counterparts over the years.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the one-day event would feature no fewer than 160 golfers in
different categories in the Men’s and Ladies’ divisions.
The Men’s category sees golfers competing in Division 1 (Handicap 0 -12), Division 2 (Handicap 13 – 18), Division 3 (Handicap 18 – 24) and Gross, while female golfers would compete for honours in Division 1 (Handicap 0 – 20) and Division 2 (Handicap 21 – 30). (NAN)
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