Sports
Central Bank of Nigeria’s Historic Role in Sports Sponsorship and the Urgency of Continuing Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives
![](https://thegleamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/IMG-20240512-WA0107.jpg)
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has stood as one of the most enduring pillars of governance since its establishment in March 1958. Beyond its fiscal responsibilities, the CBN is expected to engage in corporate social responsibility (CSR) within its host community. Over time, the CBN has utilized various means to disseminate information and fulfill its CSR obligations, with sports emerging as a particularly effective tool due to its ability to resonate with diverse segments of society.
Through its sponsorship of sporting events, the CBN has successfully connected with the populace while promoting its CSR initiatives. Sporting events such as tennis, golf, and football have served as platforms for not only disseminating information but also creating opportunities for aspiring athletes. The appeal and widespread viewership of these sports have enabled the CBN to reach a broad audience, thereby fostering community engagement and social impact.
For instance, the CBN-sponsored tennis events have propelled talents like Nduka Odizor to international acclaim, with significant achievements in the ATP rankings. Similarly, numerous young athletes have leveraged the platform provided by CBN-sponsored tournaments to secure scholarships abroad, paving the way for their professional careers and contributing to the country’s sporting legacy.
Despite these successes, recent developments indicate a shift in the CBN’s approach to sports sponsorship. The foot dragging on sponsorship of annual golf tournaments, football competitions, and the renowned CBN tennis open has raised concerns among stakeholders. While change in leadership may have prompted this delay , the potential impact on youth development and community engagement cannot be overlooked.
In a time when youth empowerment and engagement are paramount, the delay in response to issues pertaining to youth-oriented sports programs seems counterproductive. The significant investments made by the government in youth-centric initiatives underscore the importance of sustained support for sports development. Furthermore, aligning with sports initiatives not only fosters community goodwill but also promotes national unity and identity.
As the country navigates through challenging times, it is imperative for government institutions like the CBN to prioritize initiatives that directly benefit the youth and foster social cohesion. Embracing and investing in sports programs can serve as a catalyst for positive change, reinforcing the government’s commitment to youth empowerment and national development.
Amid the increasing withdrawal of private companies from Nigeria and the challenges in securing sponsorship from the private sector for sports, it would be a significant misstep. It could also tarnish the reputation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government if the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) were to withdraw its long-standing sponsorship of sporting events.
For three to four decades, the CBN has been a key sponsor of these events, and the omen around the delay in response to issues partaining to sports would have far-reaching implications.
Therefore, maintaining support for sports initiatives is not only prudent but essential for realizing the nation’s collective aspirations.
Sports
Super Eagles Can Secure Six Points Against Benin Republic and Rwanda – Barrister Alli
![](https://thegleamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG-20240906-WA0108.jpg)
Barrister Rotimi Alli, Chairman of the Ibadan Football Council, has expressed confidence in the Super Eagles’ ability to secure the maximum six points in their upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda.
Speaking at the September edition of the Ex-University of Ibadan Footballers Association virtual interactive session, “Guest of the Month,” Barrister Alli, popularly known as Libero, emphasized that the team’s success depends on the players’ determination and willpower.
“It’s not about the coaches; it’s all about the boys,” he stated. “With only two or three days of preparation, there’s little the coaches can do. It’s the players’ mindset that will determine the outcome. They must decide among themselves that they want to win.”
Barrister Alli believes that the caliber of players in the Super Eagles squad is more than capable of achieving success. “Considering the quality of players we have, there’s nothing stopping us from qualifying for the Nations Cup and the World Cup,” he added.
The Super Eagles will face Benin Republic and Rwanda in crucial AFCON qualifiers this weekend, and Barrister Alli’s optimism is a testament to the team’s potential. With the right mindset and determination, the Super Eagles can secure the maximum points and take a significant step towards qualifying for the major tournaments.
-
Featured5 years ago
Lampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured4 years ago
FG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured5 years ago
NYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured4 years ago
Children Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured3 years ago
Transfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports2 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
Featured5 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
News1 year ago
Jubilation In Kaduna As Tribunal Upholds Ekene Adam Winner Of Reps Election