FirstBank Raises Professional Winner’s Prize to ₦10m at Lagos Amateur Open

Posted : 06 November 2026

Defending champion Monday Eze has welcomed FirstBank’s decision to increase the professional winner’s prize to ₦10 million at the 65th Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship, describing it as a major incentive for players and emerging talents.

Eze said that the improved reward would encourage amateur golfers to pursue professional careers while raising the competitiveness of the annual tournament.

The championship, scheduled for Nov. 16 to Nov. 22 at Ikoyi Club 1938, Lagos, will feature a total prize purse of ₦34 million.

Eze recalled his journey through the competition, revealing that he finished fifth during his first appearance as an amateur before eventually winning the tournament in subsequent editions.

He added that his cousin also won the championship twice, making it a family affair for four years.

The professional golfer said FirstBank’s decision to introduce the ₦10 million reward after he turned professional came as a pleasant surprise.

“We were shocked that day. It was a very big move by FirstBank, and I sincerely appreciate the bank for it,” he said.

He expressed confidence in defending his title, declaring: “This year, I am coming back again, by God’s grace.”

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank, Olusegun Alebiosu, said the bank had committed more than six decades to golf development through its sponsorship of the championship and other sporting initiatives.

Alebiosu, represented by Nnaemeka Ejeh, Group Executive, Commercial Banking South Division, said the competition remained an important platform for discovering talents and promoting sporting excellence.

He explained that the tournament was organised under the bank’s “Let's Play Golf” initiative and formed part of its broader “First at Sport” platform.

According to him, golf embodies discipline, patience, strategic thinking, professionalism, integrity and excellence, values that align with the bank's corporate philosophy.

“Our investment in golf and other sporting events is driven through the ‘First at Sport’ platform, through which FirstBank continues to support sports development and sporting talents across the country,” he said.

Alebiosu added that the championship had evolved into one of Nigeria's longest-running amateur golf competitions, providing young African golfers with opportunities to showcase their abilities and earn ranking points.

He disclosed that the seven-day event would accommodate professional golfers, amateurs across different handicap categories and corporate participants.

The bank chief executive also highlighted the Corporate Golf Challenge, which brings organisations together to raise funds for charitable causes, with FirstBank doubling the proceeds before returning them to society.

He said the championship would also feature mentorship programmes and golf clinics to nurture aspiring young players.

“We expect a very good event, with emerging talents, networking opportunities and exciting competition,” he said.

Meanwhile, Afolabi Balogun, Captain of Ikoyi Club 1938 Golf Section, said the championship had continued to promote excellence, sportsmanship and healthy competition among golfers.

Balogun congratulated FirstBank on its 65-year commitment to the tournament, describing the bank's contribution as an enduring legacy in Nigerian golf.

Similarly, Ayo Adegboye, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Arago Consulting, reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to its three-year partnership with FirstBank to support the championship and contribute to society.

“Our commitment to FirstBank and the golf championship every year is intentional,” he said.

Adegboye pledged continued support for future editions, urging participants to uphold the values of integrity and enjoyment associated with the game.

“Golf is a game of fun and integrity. These are the values we want to be known for,” he said.

The 65th edition will also feature the Corporate Golf Challenge, with defending champions expected to return to compete for honours.

FirstBank Raises Professional Winner’s Prize to ₦10m at Lagos Amateur Open

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