Sports

Kunle Soname: Redefining Sports Administration and Philanthropy in Nigeria

Published

3 months ago

August 8, 2025

By Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi

In Nigeria, football isn’t just a game; it’s a way of life, a collective dream, and a source of national pride. But for every child who dreams of becoming a football star, there’s an unspoken need for a system that can nurture that talent. That’s where a visionary leader like Kunle Soname comes in.

He’s not just a businessman or a sports investor; he’s a true champion of change who has dedicated himself to building a brighter future for countless Nigerians.

Soname’s story is one of determination and success. He founded Bet9ja, one of Nigeria’s leading betting platforms, and also the airline ValueJet. But he hasn’t just built a business empire; he’s used his success to give back to the community, proving that profit and purpose can go hand in hand.

His investments in sports, particularly football, have become a beacon of hope for many young athletes. He is the owner of the Nigerian football club, Remo Stars, and also has a stake in the Portuguese team, C.D. Feirense.

In May 2025, Soname’s vision for Nigerian football reached a monumental milestone. Remo Stars won the Nigerian Premier Football League title, making history as the first privately-owned club to achieve this incredible feat.

This wasn’t just a victory for the team; it was a statement to the world that with dedication and the right resources, private clubs can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the traditional government-backed teams.

For Soname, this win was the culmination of years of hard work and a powerful testament to his belief in the potential of Nigerian football. It showed every young boy and girl that it’s possible to build a career in the sport right here at home and chase their dreams.

Soname’s impact extends far beyond the football pitch. Through the Bet9ja Foundation, he has become a powerful advocate for women, girls, and marginalised communities.

The foundation has transformed lives by providing scholarships to young girls, offering vocational training for women, and promoting sports initiatives that encourage female participation. It has also helped improve access to healthcare in underserved communities and has partnered with organisations to support education for those who need it most.

In a country where opportunities can be scarce, Kunle Soname has built a legacy not just through his businesses but through his profound commitment to people.

He has shown that true success is measured not by wealth but by the positive change you create in the lives of others. By investing in young athletes, empowering women, and supporting those in need, he has made a ripple effect of hope and opportunity throughout Nigeria.

His work is a reminder that when you build with others in mind, you can truly change the world.

Arabinrin Aderonke is a former sports administrator, former sports editor, and sports for development consultant. She writes from Abuja.

Contact@arabinrinaderonke.com

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Sports

PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon Earns World Athletics Label

Published

2 days ago

October 29, 2025

The Gleamer

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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