Sports
FCT Sports Department Calls for Stakeholder Participation in Association Membership
By Joel Ajayi
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Sports Department has opened a new window for residents and stakeholders to actively participate in sports development, following the release of free membership forms for 32 sports associations across the territory.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, the Director of Sports, Luka Istifanus, urged sports enthusiasts, administrators, and other stakeholders to take advantage of the opportunity to join associations and contribute to both grassroots and elite sports growth.
Istifanus explained that the initiative signals the start of a new phase aimed at strengthening sports administration in the FCT through the establishment of properly constituted association boards.
“We are here to kickstart a process introduced by the immediate past Mandate Secretary, Lawan Geidam, to reposition sports development in the FCT,” he said.
He noted that for more than three years, sports in the territory had been managed by caretaker committees with limited authority, a situation that hindered growth and effective governance. With necessary approvals now secured, the process to constitute substantive boards for the associations has commenced.
According to him, from April 1 to April 30, interested individuals can obtain free membership and nomination forms at the FCT Sports Department located within the National Open University of Nigeria. Applicants are required to possess at least a First School Leaving Certificate and may indicate interest in any sport of their choice. Successful membership will run for a four-year tenure.
The Director encouraged broad participation, emphasizing that inclusive stakeholder involvement is key to shaping the future of sports in the FCT.
Also speaking, the Deputy Director (Technical), Esther Whoba, called on philanthropists and well-meaning individuals to support sports development by joining the associations. She highlighted the importance of their contributions through funding, mentorship, and advocacy.
“By becoming active members, stakeholders can help build a sustainable sports ecosystem that promotes unity, healthy living, and youth empowerment across the FCT,” she said.
The Deputy Director (Sports Development), Iyiola Ogundele, was also present at the event.
The FCT Sports Department expressed optimism that increased participation would usher in a new era of structured growth, inclusivity, and excellence in sports development across the territory.
Sports
From Boardroom To Battlefield: Corporate Giants Trade Deals For Goals As Third Edition Of Corporate Stars League Kicks Off
Joel Ajayi
Ten corporate giants are preparing to swap boardroom meetings, spreadsheets and strategy decks for football boots, tactical battles and bragging rights as the Corporate Stars League returns with a promise of fierce competition, corporate networking and business deals that could extend beyond the touchline.
For five weekends, beginning Saturday, October 24, 2026, participating organisations will battle for supremacy on the pitch, where boardroom influence counts for little without teamwork, skill, determination and the ability to find the back of the net.
This year, new contenders have thrown their hats into the ring, hoping to dethrone defending champions Norrenberger and prevent them from making it back-to-back titles.
But Norrenberger are not surrendering their crown without a fight. Their representative, Victor Olamide Mattews, insists the champions are ready to defend their title, warning challengers that stopping them will be no easy task.
The company’s ambition to simplify wealth creation and champion inclusive financial solutions appears to extend beyond the financial market, with the champions eager to establish their dominance on the football pitch as well.
Telecommunications giant MTN, whose slogan is “Everywhere You Go,” will also be looking to make a stronger impression after falling short last season. Their representative, Abubakar Bako says the team is returning with renewed determination, hoping to improve its performance and ensure that this time, its presence is felt across the competition.
The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) is also taking its reach beyond financial statements and revenue collection to test its strength on the pitch. But whether its reform-driven approach can translate into football success remains another ball game entirely.
Meanwhile, the representative of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PI-CNG & EV), David Idakwo, says although this is the organisation’s first appearance in the competition, the team is ready to learn and challenge established conventions.
Similarly, Hassan Haruna of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) says the organisation hopes to translate its financial discipline into tactical precision, sound decision-making and a winning performance on the pitch.
Then comes Beer and Barn, ready to bring its own flavour to the contest. Beyond the football, the hospitality brand offers grilled pub meals, shawarma, live-band performances and energetic DJ nights. Its representatives will hope to make their presence felt on the pitch as much as they do in the entertainment and hospitality scene.
However, the competition is not just about goals, celebrations and corporate bragging rights. With the Nigeria Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), the Pension Commission (PenCom) and Jaiz Bank also among the participating organisations, the banter is already gathering momentum.
From playful jibes about power supply and infrastructure to pension benefits, investment decisions and corporate expansion, the pre-tournament exchanges have added another layer of excitement to a competition where professional rivalries will temporarily give way to football banter.
But when the whistle blows, the real talking will have to be done with the ball. Every misplaced pass, missed chance and defensive lapse could prove costly, while a moment of brilliance could separate champions from challengers.
Speaking after the draws and unveiling of the teams, 5Stars Operations Manager, Misal Dikko, said this year’s edition promises a higher level of competition, with more participating teams and increased expectations from corporate management.
“We are going to have an interesting competition, especially with the number of participating teams and the level of expectations from management. They have shown they are ready to put their money where their mouth is by supporting their teams with all the necessary logistics,” Dikko said.
With ten corporate teams preparing to battle over five weekends, the Corporate Stars League promises more than football. It is a meeting point for competition, camaraderie, networking and business opportunities.
For the defending champions, the mission is to protect their crown. For the challengers, it is a chance to rewrite the story. And for every team, the ultimate objective is clear: turn corporate ambition into football glory.
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