. Promotes education through school sports
By Stanley Onyeka, Lagos
FirstBank, West Africa’s premier bank and a leading financial inclusion service provider, has announced its sponsorship of the maiden edition of the Samuel Okwaraji Under 16 Football Championship.
According to the bank, this is a nationwide youth football tournament organised to honour the late Samuel Okwaraji, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated football legends renowned for his patriotism, discipline, and commitment to national service.
In a statement, the bank said: “The tournament will engage secondary schools from all 36 states and the FCT, in a two-stage competition. The first stage will feature zonal eliminations across the six geopolitical zones, followed by a national final in Abuja featuring the top 12 qualifying teams.
“The event will also include cultural displays, memorial lectures, and talent scouting opportunities by national team coaches, ensuring a blend of sporting excellence and social impact.”
Speaking on the sponsorship, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, FirstBank, Olusegun Alebiosu, was quoted as saying: “Football is the strongest unifier of Nigerians. It brings communities together, inspires discipline, and nurtures talents across the country.
“FirstBank is making a deliberate incursion into grassroots football development with this sponsorship, creating an enabling environment for the next generation of Samuel Okwarajis to discover, refine, and maximise their potential, thereby shaping the future of Nigerian football.”
Football is the strongest unifier of Nigerians. It brings communities together, inspires discipline, and nurtures talents across the country.
