Sports

Sports Minister Visits Nigerian Breweries to Spearhead Private Investment Drive

Published

3 years ago

October 21, 2023

…Says Private sector can play a leading role in sports development

Joel Ajayi

In a move aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s sporting industry and ensuring the continued growth of various sports, the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, paid a working visit to Nigerian Breweries Plc headquarters in Lagos on Friday, to discuss potential sports investment opportunities. The visit marks a significant step towards fostering collaboration between the government and the private sector to advance the nation’s sports landscape.

The Minister was warmly received by top executives at Nigerian Breweries, including the Managing Director, Mrs. Hans Essaadi.
Senator Enoh stated that the potential of sports in the country is enormous and the country needs to tap into the potential to upscale achievements and find more consistency in these achievements.

“This visit is to restore confidence, and to state that more than before, the Nigerian sports industry needs the private sector to be more involved,” the Minister said. “The new leadership at the Ministry is approaching its responsibilities with the determination to restore confidence and trust. This determination is fueled by passion to drive change in the Nigerian sports ecosystem.”

During the meeting, the Minister highlighted the ministry is open and excited to collaborate with the private sector to drive change. He said the Government plans to relate with the private sector a lot more closely and develop a framework that would help improve facilities, training, and grassroots development across various sports, including football, athletics, basketball, and others.

“There is a lot that Nigerian Breweries and other private investors can do to support and assist the impact that the sports can have on the fabric of our society,” he said. “Every involvement can be measurable. The Ministry is willing to collaborate and establish cordial working relationships with the private sector for the benefit of the nation.”

In his remarks, Mr. Essaadi emphasized the integral role that sports play in promoting a healthy and active nation, and the need for continued support and investment in various sporting disciplines. He stated that it is a powerful tool for national unity, as well as a social inclusion instrument.

Nigerian Breweries Plc has a rich history of supporting sports, most notably through its sponsorship of school sports and grassroots tourneys. The company’s contributions have not only bolstered the sporting sector but also created a platform for young talents to showcase their skills.

The Minister expressed optimism that its partnership with the organization would serve as a significant boost to the sports sector in Nigeria and provide the necessary support for emerging talent.

This visit by the Minister of Sports to Nigerian Breweries is indicative of the growing recognition of the importance of public-private partnerships in driving the growth and development of sports in Nigeria.

He stated that private investments such as Maltina School Sports, Milo Basketball tourney, Shell Cup, Pepsi U-13 championships, etc are known to have led to the discovery of lots of talents, who were placed on the national map.

The collaboration between the government and one of the country’s leading corporations bodes well for the future of sports, and it is expected to open up new opportunities for athletes, fans, and the sports industry as a whole.

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Sports

PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon Splashes Big Prize Money Ahead Of 14 November 2026 Race

Published

6 hours ago

October 25, 2026

The Gleamer

Top Three Elite Finishers To Earn $8,000, $6,000 And $5,000 Respectively

The organisers of the highly anticipated PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon have announced an attractive prize package for athletes across every category ahead of the race on 14 November 2026 in Abuja.

The prize announcement has been welcomed by athletes and coaches, as the event continues to establish itself as one of the leading road races in Nigeria. The race offers local athletes the chance to compete against international runners in front of a home crowd, while also earning meaningful rewards.

In the elite category, first place earns $8,000, second place takes $6,000, third place gets $5,000, fourth place receives $4,000, fifth place goes home with $3,000, sixth place earns $2,000, seventh place takes $1,000, and eighth place gets $500.

In the Nigerian category, first place earns ₦2,000,000, second place takes ₦1,500,000, third place gets ₦1,000,000, fourth place receives ₦500,000, fifth place goes home with ₦300,000, sixth place earns ₦200,000, seventh place takes ₦100,000, and eighth place gets ₦50,000.

According to the organisers, the prize structure reflects the commitment of PremiumTrust Bank to the growth of athletics in Nigeria and to the encouragement of home based athletes. The separate Nigerian category ensures that local runners are properly recognised and rewarded for their performance.

The half marathon, which covers 21 kilometres, remains an important event for long distance runners. It serves as a test of endurance and preparation, and it provides a competitive platform for athletes building towards major national and international competitions.

The race is expected to draw elite athletes, club runners, corporate teams, fitness enthusiasts and supporters from across Nigeria and beyond. The turnout is expected to be high, given the interest already shown since registration opened.

Organisers have advised interested runners to register early through the official registration portal of the race to secure their participation, as arrangements are being put in place for timing, security, medical support and traffic management on race day.

The prize money is now confirmed, attention will shift to the athletes as they complete their final weeks of training and preparations ahead of the race day.

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