The 43rd CBN National Senior Tennis Open Championship (men and women) has entered the records of being the best in the history of men and women Singles Championship in the country with the highest Singles prize money of One million naira each for the first positions in both categories.
Disclosing this in Abuja during the Press briefing to usher in the Championship which serves off today, President of Nigerian Tennis Federation (NTF) Akintoju Ifedayo noted that the Federation has enjoyed a very cordial relationship and sponsorship with the country’s apex bank which has spanned over four decades.
Ifedayo further noted that this year’s CBN Senior Tennis Open Championship which attracts male and female youths across the country has created a record of being the highest and best of the championships in the history of its sponsorship in Nigeria, adding that the fact that the Singles first prize money is one million naira in both categories speaks volumes of the bank’s decision to make Tennis sponsorship a priority.
He maintained that the CBN would not have achieved this feat without the support of its sports loving Governor, Godwin Emefiele whom he commended his total commitment towards the development of Tennis in the country.
The NTF President, while assuring the sponsors of benefiting from their commitment, said the Championship has been chunning out great talents in both men and women who have been representing the country at various global and continental tournaments even as he disclosed that the winners of this year’s edition will represent the country at the Davis Cup competition which is equivalent of football world cup competition.
A total of N13, 100, 000.00 has been earmarked as the sponsorship package of the 43rd edition of the championship.
On his part, the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele who was represented by the AG. Director Corporate Communication, Department, Osita Nwanisiobi said, “The objective of the senior tennis championship is to create a platform for the discovery, harnessing and grooming of young tennis talents and deploying them to represent the nation at International Tennis Tournaments like the Davies Cup, Billie Jean Cup etc. It has over the years also served as a platform to take young talents off the streets and afford them an opportunity to channel their energy and showcase their talent.”
“Indeed, we can confidently say that this objective has continued to be met every year. Impressively, I am informed that the winners from the Tournament this year are expected to represent Nigeria at the Billie Jean and Davies Cups slated for June 15th to 20th and June 21st to 26th, 2021 respectively.
“In recognition of the critical role of the youth in nation building, I call on all Nigerian Youth to maximize this opportunity provided by the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigeria Tennis Federation for the discovery, harnessing and grooming of young talents with a view to showcasing them at tournaments locally and internationally.
“The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), is passionate about the Nigerian youth and sports development. To underscore this commitment, the Management of the Bank has graciously approved an increase in the total prizemoney for the CBN Senior Tennis Open Championship with the winners of both the men’s and ladies’ singles finals getting the star prizes of N1,000,000.00 each.
“It is our expectation that this year’s Championship will be very exciting, and we wish to reaffirm the commitment of the Management of the CBN to sustain sponsorship of the tournament.
“We wish to appreciate the efforts of the Nigerian Tennis Federation in mobilising players to participate in the championship and ensuring the overall success of the event all these years. Let me state clearly that all guidelines set by the Presidential Steering Committee on Covid19 for non-contact sports would be strictly followed and we urge all participants to comply. “
