By Stella Kabruk
No fewer than 210 golfers are set to participate in the third edition of the FirstBank Golf Tournament, scheduled to tee off on March 26 at the Kaduna Golf Club.
This was disclosed by Idris Ibrahim, Group Executive, Retail Banking North at FirstBank, during a press conference held at the club.
He was represented at the event by the Business Development Manager, Abdullahi Abubakar.
Ibrahim noted that FirstBank has proudly supported golf in Nigeria for over six decades, adding that the bank has been partnering with the Kaduna Golf Tournament since 2023 to promote the sport within the local golfing community.
He emphasized that the bank’s 130-year legacy is rooted in strengthening communities and building lasting relationships.
“Our sponsorship of this tournament reflects these values and reinforces our commitment to community engagement across Kaduna State and the wider Northern region,” he said.
He further highlighted that golf embodies values such as skill, integrity, focus, resilience, and respect—principles that align with FirstBank’s corporate ethos.
According to him, the tournament provides a valuable platform for both professional and amateur golfers, offering exposure that could lead to growth opportunities, mentorship, and international recognition.
Ibrahim explained that the sponsorship falls under the bank’s First@Sports initiative, which supports the development of sporting talent in Nigeria and sustains legacy sports such as golf, polo, and tennis.
“As the tournament begins, we encourage all players to enjoy the game, stay focused, and remember that the most important shot in golf is the next one,” he added.
He also commended the Kaduna Golf Club for its commitment to organizing the tournament, noting that its efforts continue to elevate sporting standards in the region.
Also speaking, Captain of Kaduna Golf Club, Nazifi Jibril, revealed that the competition would feature multiple categories, including Men’s, Ladies’, Veteran Ladies’, Super Veterans’, and the Overall Winner category.
Jibril explained that the tournament had initially been scheduled for the previous year but was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.
He added that the event would begin with a ceremonial tee-off jointly performed by representatives of FirstBank and the Kaduna Golf Club.
The captain praised FirstBank for its significant financial support, describing it as a clear demonstration of the bank’s commitment to sports development and the growth of golf in Nigeria.
In return, he assured that the club would strengthen its relationship with the bank by patronizing its services and promoting its products among members.