Olayemi Cardoso, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to talent development, youth empowerment, and national unity through sports.
Cardoso made this commitment at the grand finale of the 47th edition of the CBN Open National Tennis Championship held on Saturday in Abuja.
Represented by Acting Director of Corporate Communications Hakama Sidi-Ali, Cardoso stated that the CBN has been a proud sponsor and steadfast supporter of the championship for more than four decades.
He explained that the bank’s support is driven by its belief in the transformative power of sports, especially tennis, as a platform for discovering talent, building character, and fostering national cohesion.
“The Central Bank of Nigeria’s commitment to this championship reflects our conviction that sports can inspire excellence, create opportunities for young people, and strengthen national unity,” he said.
Cardoso noted that the tournament has produced champions who rose from humble beginnings to gain national and international recognition.
He recalled that the CBN launched the Junior Tennis Championship in 2006 to nurture emerging talents, and some of the senior finalists in the current edition are products of that junior competition.
According to him, their success demonstrates the importance of sustained investment in youth development, mentorship, and continuity.
The governor praised all participants for their discipline, resilience, and sportsmanship throughout the 10-day competition.
“Every athlete who participated is a champion in their own right. Your dedication and commitment have inspired us all,” he said.
He also appreciated the Nigerian Tennis Federation (NTF) for its partnership and successful organization of the championship over the years, as well as the media for promoting tennis through extensive coverage.
Cardoso congratulated the winners, encouraging them to build on their achievements, and urged those who did not win to remain determined and focused.
He reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote sports development and youth empowerment in Nigeria.
Additionally, Director of Finance and Accounts Department (FEAD), Mbora Ikana, praised the CBN for sustaining the championship for 47 years.
Ikana described the bank’s commitment to tennis development as remarkable and commendable.
“Sustaining a sporting competition for nearly five decades is an extraordinary achievement and a testament to the bank’s dedication to youth development and nation-building through sports,” she said.
She added that many athletes who participated in earlier editions are now parents and grandparents, while the championship continues to provide opportunities for younger generations.
Ikana also noted the role of the tournament in nurturing young talents and positively engaging youth through sports.
She thanked athletes, officials, sponsors, supporters, and spectators for their contributions despite weather challenges during the final day.
She expressed confidence that the 48th edition would be bigger and better and urged stakeholders to continue supporting the growth of tennis in Nigeria.
