By Tolulope Oguntimehin 

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.