FirstBank Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Development, Sponsors Sam Okwaraji U-16 Championship
…Set to back grassroots football nationwide
By Raphael Ekpang
First Bank of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to the development and future of Nigerian youth, following its unveiling as the headline sponsor of the maiden edition of the FirstBank Sam Okwaraji U-16 Secondary School Football Championship.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony held on Monday, March 31 in Abuja, the bank’s representative, Mr. Olayinka Ejabi, emphasized that FirstBank’s investment in sports development is long-term and strategic.
“We are not here for a one-off intervention; we are here for the long haul. Sustainable growth requires consistency, planning, and structure. That is why we continue to invest our time, energy, and resources into building a solid foundation for sports in Nigeria,” Ejabi said.
He added that the initiative goes beyond football, focusing on shaping the future by creating opportunities, discovering talents, and nurturing the next generation of champions.
“We are proud to be part of this tournament and the structure it represents. Competitions like this are essential—they serve as platforms for identifying and developing future stars,” he stated.
Earlier, the convener of the initiative, Senator Osita Izunaso, who represents Imo West (Orlu) in the National Assembly, described the championship as a tribute to late Nigerian international, Samuel Okwaraji, who died tragically on the pitch in 1989 while representing Nigeria.
“Okwaraji is still alive because today we remember him not as a myth, but as a model of discipline, preparation, and commitment,” Izunaso said.
He stressed that the competition is more than a football tournament, noting that it is a platform where “the classroom builds the mind, and the pitch builds character.”
The championship, endorsed by the Nigerian Football Federation, Nigerian School Sports Federation, National Sports Commission, and National Institute for Sports, will feature zonal preliminaries across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, culminating in a grand finale in Abuja involving 12 top school teams.
According to Izunaso, the tournament will not only reward athletic excellence—such as best player, top scorer, and best goalkeeper—but will also recognize integrity and fair play among teams and participants.
“If integrity fails, the tournament has failed. But if integrity stands, we create a legacy,” he said.
As headline sponsor, FirstBank will provide full logistical support, including kits, accommodation, medical services, officiating, and participation certificates.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, commended the initiative and expressed confidence that talents discovered during the competition could represent Nigeria at future global tournaments, including the U-17 World Cup.
The championship is scheduled to commence nationwide in May.
