AIBEN Property, a leading brand in Nigeria’s real estate sector, has pledged to sponsor and host the 4th edition of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council Football Tournament, scheduled for 2026.
The commitment was reaffirmed by the company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Andy Elerewe, during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the NUJ FCT Council, led by its Chairperson, Ms. Grace Ike, on Thursday in Abuja.
Mr. Elerewe commended the NUJ for leveraging football as a unifying platform for journalists, security agencies, government institutions, and the private sector. He noted that the longstanding partnership between AIBEN and the media has fostered camaraderie and healthy competition.
“As a demonstration of our continued support, AIBEN will provide its Maralago Sports Complex, along the Kubwa Expressway, as the venue for the 4th edition of the tournament, while retaining our role as the title sponsor,” he said.
Highlighting the tournament’s broader value, he described it as a networking and team-building platform that strengthens social cohesion and contributes to national unity.
During the visit, the NUJ delegation presented Mr. Elerewe with promotional materials, including flyers, banners, and a customised jersey numbered 10. The AIBEN boss expressed enthusiasm for the games, promising to feature on the pitch.
In her remarks, Ms. Grace Ike hailed AIBEN’s consistent support, especially in the tournament’s early days when it was solely organised by the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel. She said the FCT Council’s adoption of the competition had elevated its status and widened its impact.
“Football is a universal language that unites people. This tournament has grown into a major rallying point for media professionals and stakeholders across various sectors,” she said.
Meanwhile, the 3rd edition of the NUJ FCT Football Tournament will take place from 18th to 23rd August 2025 at the Area 3 Football Pitch and Area 10 Football Field, both near the Old Parade Ground, Abuja.
Teams participating in this year’s competition included: AIBEN Property, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal High Court (FHC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Nigeria Air Force (NAF), and the NUJ.
The tournament draw and press conference will hold on 12th August 2025 at the NUJ FCT Council Secretariat, Utako, by 10:00 a.m.
The tournament, first staged in 2023 and 2024 under the NUJ FCT Correspondents’ Chapel, has so far been won consecutively by the Federal Road Safety Corps..
