The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, has reaffirmed the apex bank’s commitment to youth empowerment, talent development, and national unity through sports.
Cardoso stated this at the grand finale of the 47th CBN Senior Open Tennis Championship ,held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. He was represented by Hakama Sidi Ali, Coordinator of the Corporate Communications and Investor Relations Department.
The CBN Governor said the Bank’s continued sponsorship of the championship for over four decades reflects its belief in the transformative power of sports as a tool for youth development, character building, and national integration.
Addressing players, officials, sponsors, media practitioners, and spectators during the closing ceremony, Cardoso noted that the championship has grown into one of Nigeria’s most important tennis tournaments.
He said it produces athletes who have gone on to achieve success both nationally and internationally.
“For more than four decades, the Central Bank of Nigeria has remained a proud sponsor and steadfast supporter of this championship,” the Governor stated in his address.
“Our commitment stems from a deep belief in the transformative power of sports, particularly tennis, as a platform for discovering talents, shaping character, and fostering national unity,”
He highlighted the impact of the CBN Junior Tennis Championship, launched in 2006 as a developmental pathway for young players, noting that several finalists competing at the senior level today began their careers through the junior competition.
According to him, their progress demonstrates the value of continuity, mentorship, and sustained investment in youth development.
The Governor commended all participants for their resilience, discipline, and sportsmanship throughout the ten-day championship and described every athlete as a champion for their commitment and determination.
He further reiterated the Bank’s dedication to supporting initiatives that empower young Nigerians, promote excellence, and strengthen national unity through sports.
Cardoso also praised the Nigerian Tennis Federation for its professionalism and commitment in organizing the championship annually and appreciated members of the media for their role in promoting tennis across the country.
Also speaking at the closing ceremony, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, represented by Mrs. Mbora Ikana, Director of the Federation of Elite Athletes Department, commended the Central Bank of Nigeria for its long-standing investment in sports development.
She described the championship as a vital platform for talent discovery and athlete development and assured stakeholders of the Commission’s continued support for programmes aimed at nurturing future champions and strengthening sports development in Nigeria.
BIGGEST WINNER
On the court, Nigeria’s number one-ranked player, Canice Abua, emerged the biggest winner of the tournament after defeating defending champion Emmanuel Michael 6-1, 6-2 to win the Men’s Singles title.
The final, briefly delayed by rainfall, saw Abua dominate with powerful groundstrokes, precise serving, and relentless consistency to secure his first-ever CBN Senior Open championship crown.
Abua went on to complete a remarkable double by teaming up with Emmanuel Musa to defeat Michael Emmanuel and Sylvanus Ajang 6-3, 6-1 in the Men’s Doubles final.
In the Women’s Singles final, Etoro Bassey fought back from a set down to defeat Success Ogunjobi 3-6, 6-0, 6-3 and claim the title.
The Women’s Doubles championship was won by Success Ogunjobi and Khadijat Mohammed, who defeated Etoro Bassey and Favour James 6-2, 6-7(2), 10-6 in a thrilling contest.
The Wheelchair Men’s Singles title went to Alex Adewale, who defeated Bankole Rasaq, while Uche Andrea emerged champion in the Wheelchair Women’s Singles category after defeating Enwerem Chika.
The successful conclusion of the 47th CBN Senior Open Tennis Championship once again demonstrated the tournament’s importance in the development of tennis in Nigeria while providing a platform for athletes to showcase their talents at the highest level.
With champions crowned across all categories and the CBN reaffirming its commitment to sports development, the championship ended on a high note, further strengthening its reputation as one of the country’s most prestigious tennis tournaments.
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