First Bank of Nigeria Limited has reaffirmed its long-standing support for the OBJ Golf Tournament, pledging continued sponsorship as the eighth edition gets underway at the Abeokuta Golf Club in Ogun State.

At a pre-tournament media briefing in Abeokuta, Adeniran Oladele, Business Manager in the Public Sector Directorate of FirstBank, said the bank views the event as a natural fit for its heritage and values. He described the partnership as a meeting of legacies, aligning the bank’s 130-year history with the enduring influence of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Oladele explained that FirstBank is deliberate about backing initiatives that promote unity, social cohesion and healthy competition, noting that the OBJ Golf Tournament has grown into a major fixture on Nigeria’s sporting calendar. He stressed that the bank’s commitment to the event “remains unshakeable,” adding that such platforms help create a convivial environment where people from diverse backgrounds can interact beyond politics and business.

The tournament is supported under FirstBank’s first@sport initiative, the bank’s umbrella platform for sports sponsorship and youth engagement. Through first@sport, the bank has invested in football, basketball, polo, golf and tennis, with the twin goals of nurturing talent and using sport as a tool for social impact and national integration.

Golf Captain of the Abeokuta Golf Club, Umar Bakare, lauded FirstBank’s consistency, describing the institution as a dependable partner that has helped the tournament grow in stature and organisation. He said the club is already planning for an even bigger ninth edition, buoyed by the bank’s assurances of continued backing.

Bakare revealed that this year’s competition offers an expanded prize pool and enhanced hospitality for participants, reflecting the tournament’s rising profile. He said the event has become a rallying point for golfers across the country and a showcase for Abeokuta as a sporting destination.

Competition Secretary of the club, Tolulope Olugbemi, added that the eighth edition will feature a strong field of top professional golfers, leading amateurs from various clubs nationwide, caddies and club staff. According to him, the diversity of participants underscores the tournament’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s most competitive and inclusive golf events.

The 8th OBJ Golf Tournament is scheduled to tee off at the Abeokuta Golf Club, with several days of competition expected to draw enthusiasts, dignitaries and emerging talents to the historic city.