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GTI assures transparency in football ecosystem

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Strategic partners to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), GTI Asset Management and Trust Limited has assured investors and football stakeholders in the

country that they are committed to laying a strong foundation and transparent football ecosystem in the country using The Nigeria Football Fund (TNFF) as the vehicle in achieving this laudable dream.

TNFF Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, stated this in Lagos on Tuesday.

He revealed that GTI is committing lots of material and financial resources toward ensuring that NPFL enjoys robust financial support in order to become self-sustaining with necessary measures to ensure transparency in all its dealings with investors,

sponsors and other partners.

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“The NPFL is currently enjoying a lot of publicity from the media that has been at the forefront of the enlightenment campaign.

“We are also aware that expectations are very high, that is why we hit the ground running using the current abridge league as a test case and ensuring that we put in all the necessary security measures to uphold transparency.

“For example, indemnities of match officials and other critical stakeholders connected to the league are being

administered seamlessly, using international best practices as our guide.

“As a company, we are strongly committed to a very transparent football ecosystem which is the best way to restore confidence in our sponsors and investors.

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“No wonder that is why many investors are keying into the TNFF project and stakeholders of football in Nigeria are also embracing GTI strategy of taking our beautiful game to the next level,” Ekejiuba said.

“NPFL is an asset that belongs to Nigerians and the effort of GTI at this stage is to encourage more Nigerians to become unit holders as early as possible before foreign

investors will mop up the remaining units of the N5.0 billion that is expected to be raised through the funds. However, just as we assured the media on February 20, 2023, during the parley in our corporate headquarters in Lagos, we will always have our annual reports made available at the end of every year to our stakeholders.

“The TNFF investors are poised to enjoy their Returns on Investments without any administrative

bottleneck,” he assured.

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Ekejiuba also reaffirmed that sponsors cum investors are embracing the TNFF and the share value of each unit of the fund is appreciating gradually.

“I want to further reveal that we are in serious discussions with some notable sponsors who want to throw-in their weight behind the league because of the recent positive developments recorded so far.

“In this regard, it is essential that due process is followed

and GTI has assured them of its determination to reposition NPFL with great honesty, transparency and accountability which is the watchword of our company as a renowned financial institution.

“GTI will inform the media of our breakthrough at the appropriate time. We want to put an end to the exodus of our talented footballers abroad to some very obscure football-playing nations of the world by laying a solid foundation back home for NPFL to thrive through private sector funding; thereby complementing the efforts of government in this regard,” Ekejiuba concluded.

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Kunle Solaja is the author of landmark books on sports and journalism as well as being a multiple award-winning journalist and editor of long standing. He is easily Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and Africa's most capped FIFA World Cup journalist, having attended all FIFA World Cup finals from Italia ’90 to Qatar 2022. He was honoured at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by FIFA and AIPS.

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International Association of Women Police honours News Central TV

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The Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of News Central TV, Kayode Akintemi, being presented with an award as Pillar of Support for women for the television station by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun during the closing ceremony of the International Association of Women Police in Abuja.

News Central TV has been honoured with a distinguished award for its role in supporting women across the nation.

The Managing Director of News Central,  Kayode Akintemi, received the award on behalf of the media agency at the International Association of Women Police (IAWP) Conference held in Abuja.

The award is a recognition of News Central’s commitment to promoting gender equality, empowering women in law enforcement, developmental journalism and community engagement.

The IAWP Conference renowned for its dedication to celebrating the achievements of women in law enforcement and their allies, presented Akintemi with the award in acknowledgment of News Central TV’s impactful contributions to society.

The conference brought together influential leaders, policy makers, and advocates from around the globe to discuss and address critical issues facing women in law enforcement and beyond.

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Across Nigeria, News Central is renowned for championing initiatives that empower women and promote diversity within the media industry.

The station has been instrumental in providing a platform for women’s voices, addressing social issues, and fostering a culture of inclusivity. The award further highlights News Central’s dedication and commitment to the cause.

Commenting on the award, the Managing Director expressed gratitude and emphasized the importance of continued efforts towards gender equality and social justice.

“It is an honor to receive this recognition on behalf of News Central TV. Our mission has always been to create a media landscape that is reflective of our diverse society and to empower women to tell their stories.

“This award motivates us to continue our work with even greater passion and determination,” Akintemi said.

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News Central TV remains committed to its core values of integrity, innovation, and inclusivity. The station will continue to leverage its platform to advocate for positive change, support women in the media, and contribute to the overall betterment of society

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Tenacious Tana gets accolades over his elevation as The Punch Deputy Editor

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One of Nigeria’s most enterprising sports journalists, Tana Aiyejina who was Group Sports Editor of The Punch, has been elevated to the position of Deputy Editor of the newspaper.

A basketball promoter, Igoche Mark has congratulated the journalist who is well known for his in-depth reporting.

Mark, renowned for his contributions to the growth of basketball in Nigeria, through his Mark D’ Ball Basketball Championship sponsorship, praised Aiyejina’s dexterity and dedication to quality sports news reporting. 

“Mr. Tana Aiyejina’s elevation as Deputy Editor of The Punch Newspapers is a testament to his dexterity and dedication to quality sports news reportage from his days as a green horn sports reporter with The National Mirror,” he said.

Aiyejina, who hails from Edo State, has earned the moniker ‘Tenacious Tana’ for his objective and tenacious approach to sports journalism.

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 Mark commended the sports editor’s remarkable track record, stating, “He has always discharged his duties with objectivity and tenacity, a trade mark that earned him the moniker ‘Tenacious Tana.’”

Looking ahead, Mark urged Aiyejina to continue his valuable contributions to the sports sector, saying, “My charge to you as a stakeholder in sports is never to leave the sector, as together let’s build Nigerian sports to an enviable height.”

“The promotion of Tana Aiyejina to the position of Deputy Editor at The Punch Newspapers is a testament to his unwavering commitment to sports journalism and his ability to consistently deliver high-quality reporting. This recognition is sure to inspire other sports journalists to strive for excellence in their craft,” Mark added.

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Benin sports followers lament blackout of international sporting events 

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Sinatou Saka and Jean-Marc Adjovi Bocco, the duo can advice government to amortize the cost of television rights to relieve the citizens and Beninese generally.

Watching international sports events, including those of the national teams, has become a huge luxury, if not totally impossible in Benin Republic.

The blames are often put on government advisers who probably have not realised the importance of sports in the society.  

Fingers point at two personalities –  Sinatou Saka and Jean-Marc Adjovi Bocco. Saka was last year  appointed representative of the Beninese state on the board of directors of the joint audiovisual company. She is a journalist specializing in digital entrepreneurship.  

Bocco, a former professional footballer who played in the defence line of Benin national team is the technical adviser to the minister of sports.

Both were expected to use their good offices to advise government on issues of broadcast rights such that citizens could have access to international sports events, especially football.

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 They seem to have the views that watching international sports should remain a luxury owing to high cost of buying broadcast rights. The context in France seems to be the yardstick being employed while in the Beninese environment, sponsorship and advertisement is still very weak.

And even when the rights sellers revise the figures downwards, Sinatou Saka is believed to have turned down the offers. Peoples’ passion for sports is often overlooked. Bocco, too despite being a sports personality has not offered any assistance thus depriving millions of Beninese people of these rare moments of happiness around national teams and their athletes.

It is expected that the duo would advise the government to amortize the cost of television rights to relieve the citizens and Beninese generally.

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