FirstBank pledges commitment to golf

FIRSTBANK of Nigeria Limited, sponsors of the annual Lagos Open Golf Championship, one of the longest running golf tournaments in Nigeria has pledged its commitment to the continuous sponsorship of the tournament and other sporting activities across the country.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 61st edition of the tournament in Lagos on Sunday, Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank, Adesola Adeduntan who was represented by Executive Director, Chief Risk Officer of FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, Olusegun Alebiosu, said because the banking giants takes pride in sports, it will continue to honours its commitment to it.

Meanwhile, the 61st edition of the tournament lived up to its rating as a one that produces worthy champions, throwing up expectedly Benin based Emmanuel Ojeabulu.

Playing three-shots off the pace going the last 18-holes, Ojeabulu played one of the best golf of his life, maintaining steady pars for a closing 74, 3-over the course par to win the World Amateur Golf Ranking recognized event by two shots.

Ojeabulu started his game with an opening 75, a second

day score of 78 and a closing 74 to replace Ilorin-based Aminu Kadir, the tournament defending champion on the winners list.

Overnight leader, 20-year old product of David Mark Golf Academy, George Paul who was tipped to win the tournament collapsed under pressure closing with an unimpressive 79 to lose the two by two-shots.

In the third position is Muyideen Olaitan, three- time winner of the coveted Lagos Open trophy ducks in the third position while Iyare Osaze was further down on the winners chart by One-shot, leaving perennial contender, Olajide Owolabi, who shot tournaments best score of 72 on day two of the competition in the fifth position.

Satisfied with the turnout of the participants, Golf Captain, Tony Oboh thanked the sponsors for keeping the tournament going, saying FirstBank commitment should be emulated.

“It is not easy to keep a tournament like this going, I therefore commend FirstBank for their commitment,” Oboh said.

Apart from golf, other sports that enjoy commitment from FirstBank, includes polo, tennis, basketball, football and athletes