Sports
First Lady, CDS, FCT Minister Among Dignitaries to Grace Maiden Kingdom Unity Games Kick-Off Saturday
……As 32 Teams Battle in Football, Basketball, and Volleyball
Joel Ajayi
Abuja will this weekend host a historic sporting spectacle as the maiden Kingdom Unity Games Abuja (KUGA) 2025 kicks off on Saturday, September 6, at 3:00 PM inside the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
The week-long event, running from September 6–13, is a faith-based sports initiative designed to promote peace, unity, and youth development across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and neighbouring states.
A host of dignitaries are expected at the opening ceremony, led by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who will serve as Guest of Honour.
Also expected are the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, among several others.
Speaking at a pre-event press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the Convener, Ambassador Solomon Omonokhua, underscored the transformative vision behind the initiative.
“Although rooted in the Christian community, KUGA is open to all—Christians, Muslims, and people of other faiths. It is a platform for building national unity, fostering peace, and constructively engaging our youth through sports,” he said.
Ambassador Omonokhua explained that the Games seek to discover and mentor young athletes, create academic and career opportunities, and reduce insecurity by productively engaging young people.
“This event is designed to pull youths off the streets, nurture their talents, and provide platforms for growth—not just for their families, but for society as a whole.
“Sports is a powerful tool for breaking barriers of religion, tribe, and social class. It unites, heals, and empowers. What we are building is more than just a tournament—it’s a movement,” Omonokhua affirmed.
The 2025 edition will feature three major sporting categories: Football: 24 male teams drawn from church es representing five major Christian blocs; Basketball: 16 male and female teams and Volleyball: 16 male and female teams
In total, 32 teams will compete for cash prizes, medals, and branded kits, with additional surprise packages to be unveiled at the closing ceremony.
While KUGA 2025 is currently FCT-based, the long-term goal is to scale it into a full national event by 2026, with participation from all states across Nigeria. The FCT serves as a testbed for nationwide implementation.
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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