CBN’s Tennis Championship: Turning Rackets into Instruments of Harmony and Development
By Lawal Dahiru Mamman
The 46th edition of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Senior Open Tennis Championship in Abuja was more than a return of a celebrated sporting event; it was a carefully orchestrated display of how sport can become an agent of social cohesion, youth empowerment, and national renewal.
For nearly five decades, the CBN has used the game of tennis not only as a platform to discover athletic talent but also as a conduit for fostering values of discipline, resilience, and unity among Nigerians. In a country where economic and social challenges often dominate headlines, the championship served as a refreshing reminder that shared passions can bridge divides and create moments of collective pride.
From the moment the first ball bounced on the Moshood Abiola National Stadium’s Package B court, it was clear that this was not simply about crowning champions. The players’ energy, the audience’s anticipation, and the meticulous organization of the tournament all spoke to a broader purpose.
The men’s singles final saw Michael Emmanuel, a master of patience and tactical precision, overcome the spirited challenge of Ikenna Okonkwo in a tightly contested 7-6, 3-6, 6-2 battle. On the women’s side, Adesuwa Osabuohien delivered a performance that embodied determination, shaking off a shaky first set to overpower Emmanuel Essien 3-6, 6-4, 6-1. These were not just victories measured in points but triumphs that illustrated the enduring human capacity to adapt, persist, and prevail.
The President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), Ifedayo Akindoju, aptly described the tournament as a “renaissance” for Nigerian tennis, noting that after a two-year hiatus, the sport’s heartbeat had returned stronger than before.
His praise for the CBN’s unwavering commitment underscored a truth often overlooked — that consistent institutional support is the foundation upon which sporting excellence is built.
Acting Director of Corporate Communications at the CBN, Hakama Sidi-Ali, speaking on behalf of Governor Olayemi Cardoso, reminded the audience that this investment in tennis was not merely a corporate social responsibility gesture but a deliberate act of nation-building.
She meticulously traced the lineage of success from the inception of the CBN Junior Tennis Tournament in 2006 to the present, pointing out that many of the senior finalists once emerged from the junior ranks — a testament to long-term vision and sustainable talent development.
Beyond the matches, the championship stood as a microcosm of the CBN’s broader developmental philosophy. Just as it nurtures young athletes, the bank invests in the economic future of Nigerian youths through initiatives such as the Youth Entrepreneurship Development Programme (YEDP), the MSME Development Fund (MSMEDF), and the Agri-Business/SME Investment Scheme (AGSMEIS).
Above programmes mirror the structure of a championship season: identify raw talent, provide the tools for growth, and create opportunities for individuals to excel, thereby uplifting communities and strengthening the national fabric.
The doubles events added their own narratives of teamwork and synergy. In the men’s final, Canice Abua and Michael Emmanuel overwhelmed Thomas Otu and Abubakar Yusuf with a decisive 6-4, 6-0 victory, while in the women’s doubles, Goodnews Aina and Favour Moses edged out their opponents 7-5, 7-5 in a gripping contest where every point carried the weight of momentum. These matches showcased the importance of trust, communication, and mutual support, qualities essential not only in sport but also in national development.
By the close of the tournament, it was evident that the CBN Senior Open Tennis Championship had achieved more than the presentation of trophies. It had reaffirmed the role of sport as a catalyst for unity, health, and shared purpose, while also highlighting the institution’s dedication to public interest.
In an era where divisions can easily dominate public discourse, the CBN’s commitment to sustaining a tradition that brings Nigerians together, on the court, in the stands, and across generations, is both timely and transformative.
Tennis may be defined by its lines, but through this championship, the CBN continues to draw inclusive circles that connect communities, strengthen bonds, and inspire a vision of a healthier, more united Nigeria for economic development now and into the future.