The Nigeria Cup Golf Tournament, organized by the Ikoyi Golf Community Nigeria Association (IGCNA), highlighted the exceptional skills of golfers and the sport's ability to create connections among participants. This year, Mr. Tayo Babalakin claimed the title of Nigeria Cup 2024 Champion, achieving an impressive score of 85 gross with a Handicap (HCP) of 19, resulting in a net score of 66. This victory secured Tayo Babalakin's place in history as the 27th champion of this esteemed tournament.
As a former merchant bank catering to high-net-worth clients, NOVA Bank has always recognized golf as a valuable recreational activity for business executives to network and unwind. The Bank's evolution into a national commercial bank has not lessened this commitment; rather, it has strengthened its ties with the golfing community, as evidenced by its continued support for the Nigeria Cup.
Mr. Phillips Oduoza, Chairman of NOVA Bank and a passionate golfer, emphasized the significance of the partnership in a speech delivered by Mrs. Esther Adino on his behalf, “As a long-term partner of the Nigeria Cup and the Ikoyi Club Golf Section, this annual event is always a delight for us at NOVA. It provides a unique opportunity to engage with our esteemed customers and the broader community while celebrating the beautiful game of golf. For over four years, NOVA Bank has been a proud supporter of this tournament, a sponsorship that aligns with our dedication to fostering wealth creation and enhancing the well-being of our customers. Golf plays an essential role in that mission, allowing us to connect with our HNI clients in a meaningful and engaging environment. We consider ourselves long-term sponsors of this tournament, and we are pleased to deepen our partnership with Ikoyi Golf Club. We look forward to exploring new opportunities for collaboration to elevate this esteemed club further.”
Reinforcing NOVA’s commitment, Mrs. Chinwe Iloghalu, Executive Director of Institutional and Commercial Banking at NOVA Bank, remarked, “Our support of the Nigeria Cup reflects our commitment to offering our high-net-worth clients and C-suite executives an atmosphere of relaxation, well-being, and healthy competition. As a commercial bank, we continue to develop tailored products for SMEs and retail clients, including our groundbreaking NOVA Phygital mobile banking, which redefines personal banking experiences. The NOVA Phygital platform is designed to provide seamless financial solutions, ensuring our clients can manage their wealth effortlessly while enjoying the lifestyle they deserve. We remain dedicated not only to supporting our corporate customers’ businesses but also to helping them stay fit, relaxed, and focused. Golf is the perfect avenue to achieve this balance.”
Mr. George Etomi, Chairman of the 2024 Nigeria Cup Organizing Committee, praised NOVA Bank for its steadfast support. “NOVA Bank’s consistent sponsorship of the Nigeria Cup truly embodies the spirit of this club—harmony through recreation. Their partnership exemplifies the harmony and shared vision that has made them an integral part of our journey. We are thankful for NOVA’s dedication and look forward to more opportunities to create lasting impacts together.”
As NOVA Bank continues to expand its exceptional services to retail and SME sectors, it remains dedicated to providing meaningful experiences for its high-net-worth clients while also reaching a wider audience through innovative and customer-focused solutions. The partnership with the Nigeria Cup Golf Tournament embodies the core values of NOVA Bank—Uniqueness, Leadership, Teamwork, and Passion.