Sports
Engr Chiroma to Nigerian Youth: Take Sports Seriously, It’s a Platform for Opportunity and Unity
By Joel Ajayi
Ambassador of the 2025 Kingdom Unity Games, Engineer Joseph Chiroma, has called on Nigerian youth to take sports seriously, describing it as not only a tool for unity but also a growing economic opportunity.
Chiroma made the appeal on Saturday during the grand finale of the maiden edition of the Games at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, where Dunamis FC edged ECWA Wumba 1–0 to claim the inaugural trophy.
According to him, the timing of the event could not have been more significant. “Our country is navigating moments of tension—tribal, religious, and social divisions. But through platforms like this, we are reminded of the power of unity and the importance of coming together,” he said.
He stressed the importance of engaging young people in positive, structured activities, noting that sports provide a pathway to discipline, leadership, and future opportunities.
“When young people participate in activities like sports, they are less likely to fall into harmful or destructive paths. Instead, they develop progressive thinking—thinking that prepares them to contribute meaningfully to the future of this nation,” Chiroma added.
Highlighting the inclusivity of the Games, he noted that while the initiative was Christian-led, it was by no means exclusive: “When we step onto the field, faith and tribe no longer matter—we are all Nigerians. That is the beauty of events like this.”
He further encouraged youth to find a sporting activity to engage in, whether athletics, basketball, volleyball, or other disciplines. “Sport is no longer just recreation. It has become a viable economic opportunity that creates jobs, generates income, and contributes to national development. I encourage all youth across Nigeria to take sports seriously—as a tool for unity, growth, and empowerment,” he urged.
The 2025 edition of the Kingdom Unity Games will feature three major categories:
- Football – 24 male teams drawn from churches representing five major Christian blocs
- Basketball – 16 male and female teams
- Volleyball – 16 male and female teams
In all, 32 teams will compete for cash prizes, medals, branded kits, and surprise rewards. While currently FCT-based, organisers revealed that the long-term plan is to expand the Games into a full national event by 2026, with participation from all 36 states.
Convener of the Games, Ambassador Solomon Omonokhua, reiterated the vision of the initiative: “This competition is about more than football. It is about building bridges between churches, fostering peace and unity, and giving our youth a platform to showcase their gifts. We are hopeful some players here will catch the eye of scouts and clubs, and bring pride to Nigeria,” he said.
On the pitch, Team Dunamis FC made history by clinching the maiden title with their early strike against ECWA Wumba, holding off pressure until the final whistle. In the third-place playoff, ECWA Kwali edged ECWA Karasana 1–0 in a closely fought encounter.
Organisers concluded that beyond the competition, the Games stand as a vehicle for peace-building, talent discovery, and the strengthening of bonds across communities and faith groups in Nigeria.
Sports
PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon Earns World Athletics Label
Nigeria’s foremost Sports Company, Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML) has announced the second edition of the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon, set to light up Nigeria’s capital city on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
With the theme “Steady Strides,” this year’s race captures the measured rhythm and determined pace that define world-class long-distance running, a reflection of the steady progress and ambitious vision shaping the marathon’s evolution into a global platinum-labelled event.
In a historic milestone for Nigerian sports, the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon has been officially awarded the prestigious World Athletics Label for its second edition, a distinction achieved in record time. This remarkable feat makes it the first marathon globally to earn the label so swiftly, underscoring both the organizational excellence of NSML and the dynamic rise of PremiumTrust Bank, currently celebrated as Nigeria’s fastest-growing commercial bank.
The 2025 edition is expected to attract elite international athletes, top local runners, and marathon enthusiasts from around the world, alongside officials from World Athletics who will oversee the competition.
Speaking on the announcement, Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Yetunde Olopade, expressed excitement about the unique partnership with PremiumTrust Bank.
“This second edition is fundamentally unique because it represents the first-ever true super-partnership on such a dynamic sports property in our nation and arguably, globally. PremiumTrust Bank is not just a sponsor but the sole partner anchoring the establishment, organization, and consolidation of a global marathon in Nigeria’s capital city.
” We are proud and grateful for the bank’s visionary leadership, which not only recognized the immense potential of the first edition but is now single-handedly driving the race toward international acclaim.”
Managing Director of PremiumTrust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim (CON) emphasized the shared values underpinning the partnership.
“PremiumTrust Bank is built on the philosophy of rapid, impactful, and sustainable growth, and the theme of this year’s marathon perfectly reflects our operational ethos.”
“Attaining World Athletics Label status in just the second year validates that our investment is yielding world-class outcomes. We are deeply proud to be the sole partner building this monumental legacy, reinforcing our commitment to sports development, community wellbeing, excellence, and platforms where champions are made.”
The PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon 2025 promises to be a spectacular celebration of endurance, athleticism, and community spirit, further strengthening Abuja’s status on the global racing calendar.
Registration for participants is currently open as it promises to be another marathon spectacle on the 6th of December 2025.
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