Sports
“Ibrahim Pledges to Boost Table Tennis in North-Central if Elected”
A lawyer and civil servant, Barrister Hamidu Ali Ibrahim, has declared his intention to contest for a seat on the board of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), promising to focus on grassroots development of the sport, particularly in the North-Central region.
Speaking with our correspondent in Abuja on Tuesday, Ibrahim, who previously served twice as chairman of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Table Tennis Association, said his ambition is driven by his passion for the game and his track record of leadership.
“At least as a member of the board of the National Table Tennis Federation, I should be able to develop table tennis in North-Central Nigeria in particular,” he stated.
The aspirant stressed the need to harness talents at the grassroots through regular local competitions, which he said would help discover and nurture players who could compete at the national and international levels.
“Table tennis is one sport Nigerians are naturally good at. Unfortunately, most of the players we see at the national stage are from the Southwest. My plan is to go to the grassroots, organize local competitions, and bring out talents from other parts of the country, especially the North-Central,” he said.
On the performance of the outgoing NTTF board, Ibrahim acknowledged their contributions but noted that there is room for improvement. “They have done well, but as human beings, there are always areas that can be improved upon. We will build on their achievements to move the sport forward,” he added.
Ibrahim also pointed to his achievements as FCT chairman, including the recently concluded North-Central competition, as proof of his commitment. “Anything I say, I do. I don’t make promises I cannot keep. By God’s grace, we will deliver,” he assured.
Looking ahead, he emphasized the need to groom players who can step into the shoes of Africa’s top-ranked table tennis star, Aruna Quadri. “We must encourage those already at the international level and prepare future stars to take over. Nigerians should see table tennis as a unifying sport, just like football,” he said.
On Nigeria’s chances of winning medals in future global tournaments, Ibrahim expressed optimism. “Why not? With the talents we have and the right leadership on the board, we can aim for Olympic medals,” he declared.
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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