The 2022 edition of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor’s Cup held in Abuja on Saturday November ended with overall winner and others emerging in various categories.
The annual golf competition staged inside the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, witnessed intense competition by no fewer than 200 participants.
At the end, a banker Isaiah Okonofua from one of the new generation banks emerged as overall winner.
The elated Okonofua, played in handicap 14 with a gross score of 81 and a net of 67.
Speaking thereafter, Okonofua who dedicated his victory to God said he sustained uncommon focus and commitment while playing throughout the duration of the encounter despite initial glitches.
He said, “It was not easy prevailing at last. I was encouraged to go all the way from start to finish. It was a major challenge not playing always because each time I come back from wherever I have travelled to, it’s like starting all over again. The game of golf needs you to be consistent, otherwise you will be left behind.
“I thank CBN the organisers for providing this opportunity for us.”
In the men gross, Mohammed Suleiman playing off handicap 4 with a net of 79 emerged as winner. The runner-up in this category Julius Fadairo who played with a handicap of 7 to finished with a net of 85.
V.O Adedipe won the men’s division 1 (handicap 0-10) category after playing from the 9 handicap with 81 gross and an impressive 72 net. It was S.O. Sanya who finished as first runner-up in this category playing off handicap 6 with 81 gross and 75 net.
For the CBN Staff category, R. Uje-Eje, playing off handicap 30 with a gross score of 90 and net 69 emerged winner. His colleague, K. Uwokike, settled for the runner up position having played off handicap 24 with a gross score of 100 and net of 76.
There were also prices for best veteran ladies, veteran men, CBN retired staff, CBN guest, CBN staff among others.
Talking about the essence of the competition, the CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, represented by apex bank’s Deputy Governor, Corporate Services, Mr. Edward Adamu, said CBN has continuously support the development of various sports including Football, Tennis, Golf, among others over the years.
The CBN boss said partnering with IBB International Golf & Country Club has provided a platform where staff and other golf enthusiasts find steady expression in the game in its 15th year.
He said, “From the first edition in 2007, the tournament has helped to strengthen the spirit of friendship and interaction among participants and organisers thereby creating an atmosphere of relaxation and recreation among golfers. This competition also provides the Bank an important feedback opportunity from golfers and elite members of the public on the policies and initiatives of the CBN with attention on how they impact on national economy and general growth of the nation.
“The Bank has shown consistency in its effort to promote the game of golf and other sports in the country. This gesture has had a remarkable impact on sportsmen and the youth of our society in general, especially in this season of a global pandemic. However, it is important to state that the Bank has sustained its sponsorship of competitions in other sports such as the annual All Financial Institutions Football Competition, the CBN Senior Open Tennis Championship and the CBN Junior Tennis Tournament.
“The camaraderie and spirit of sportsmanship displayed by participants during this tournament has indeed been satisfying. This underscores your tremendous love for the game.”
He used the opportunity to explain that the recent redesigning of N200, N500 and N1,000 banknotes by President Muhammadu Buhari was a key function of the CBN, as enshrined in Section 2 (b) of the CBN Act 2007, adding, “Indeed, the integrity of a local legal tender, the efficiency of its supply, as well as its efficacy in the conduct of monetary policy are some of the hallmarks of a great Central Bank.
“The CBN remains committed to sustaining more people-centered policies that will impact various sectors of the economy, thereby resulting in job and wealth creation to promote inclusive growth.
“We believe that redesigning the current N200, N500 and N1,000 banknotes which will cease to be legal tender on January 31, 2022, will certainly reduce the cost of cash management; reduce volume of cash in circulation; disrupt counterfeiting activities and enhance adoption of digital/electronic transaction channels.
“I would like to use this opportunity to reassure the public that the CBN would continue to observe both the financial system and the economy in general, and always act in good faith for the achievement of the Bank’s objectives and the betterment of the country.”
On his part, the Captain IBB International Golf and Country Club, Mike Ekoja, expressed his appreciation to CBN for their commitment, adding that the club was delighted to be associated with the prestige tournament.
