The first-ever CAF Safe Stadium Initiative Workshop in Nigeria came to a close in Abuja on Thursday.

 The workshop drew participants from diverse sectors, including the 20 Nigeria Premier Football League clubs and was impactful for the participants, as they acquired new skills and knowledge of how to safeguard and protect lives and properties within the stadium environment.

The last day of the workshop saw the resource persons from CAF, led by the Head of CAF Safety and Security, Dr Christian Emeruwa, take a tour of the MKO Abiola National Stadium for an enlightened practical session of the initiative, teaching and with emphasis on crowd control.

While speaking, Dr Emeruwa expressed his deepest appreciation to the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation for their commitment in ensuring that the workshop was a success.

He noted that the initiative will usher in a new lease of life in the area of managing the operations of safety and security in the country.

“Let me start by sending my deepest appreciation to the leadership of Nigeria Football Federation for their uprightness and commitment in making this workshop a reality. 

A new dawn is taking place on the continent of Africa when it comes to the area of managing safety and security operations, and for all the participants that have been involved today in the last minute training, it is now your responsibility to carry the torch and begin to make the little changes required for football in Nigeria to be played in a safe and secure environment for all.

“Personally, I do not expect to see a one hundred percent turn-around overnight, but I believe you can start taking steps to improve the situation around your competition zones, the VIP area, your media area, as well as general spectator-areas.

“ If we do this, we are sure to solve seventy-five percent of our problems and, more importantly, prevent deaths in our stadiums.”

The General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, expressed happiness and thanked Dr Emeruwa for his perseverance in ensuring that Nigeria profited from the initiative.

He declared the workshop closed by charging the participants to be polite in the discharge of their duties .

“It is important that when you want to address issues, you should be polite, in order that you do not have problems with anybody while going about to implement the knowledge of this workshop that you all have acquired.”

Certificates of participation were presented to all the participants at the end of the workshop.

NSC Chairman, Dikko (second left), Chairman of NFF Security Committee Babagana Kalli (left), his deputy Essien (right) and Dr Emeruwa in Dikko’s office on Thursday.

In Port Harcourt, Rivers United had to endure with slow start but came from behind at home to beat Kwara United 2-1 in a highly contested game.

The win returns the side  to the top following 1-1 scoreline in the Ikorodu City and Remo Stars Western derby at the Mobolaji Arena in Lagos

In the Port Harcourt duel, Akeem Akanni put kwara United  in front with a low drive in the 18^th minute and held on till the end of the half but Timothy Zachariah restored parity for the home side in the 52^nd minute before David Benjamin scored the winner in the 59^th minute.

The result leaves the former champions firmly in contention for the title, while Kwara United still needs to battle to remain in the middle of the pack.

In the much-touted match of the week, Remo Stars started on the front foot and were rewarded with a goal in the 8th minute, but Ikorodu Stars equalised on the dot on time in a highly thrilling encounter.    

After three consecutive wins at home in Owerri, Heathland FC had to endure a draw at the Dan Ayiam Stadium with a 1-1 scoreline with Insurance of Benin.

Promise Anyanwu put the home side in front in the 6^th minute but efforts by Emmanuel Amuneke’s side to double the lead were wasted and the same rhythm was played out in the second stanza before disaster struck in the 82^nd minute with the equaliser off Micheal Enaruna.

Akwa United’s quest to swim out of the relegation zone suffered a setback in Yenagoa with a 2-1 defeat by the host, Bayelsa United.

Chijioke Alaekwe put the visiting side in front in the 23^rd minute but Sadiq Auwal equalised for the home side in the 42^nd minute but in the 80^th minute, Ibrahim Yahaya gave the host the winner.

It was a goal feast in Minna but it was the home side that ran the show as Niger Tornadoes pummelled Sunshine Stars of Akure 4-1.

Goals from Ernest Onyeka, Abdulrasheed Shehu Dabai, Abba Khalid and Joseph Godstime a goa-goal lead up till the 73^rd minute before the away side managed to pull one back in the 80^th minute.                                                                                                                                                                           

Partnership deals have become a driving force in the development of sports assets globally, and Nigeria being a sport-loving country is never an exception.

From economic growth to social empowerment, partnership deals have the power to transform the trajectory of sports and the lives of those connected to it.

These collaborations often involve financial investments, sponsorships, brand activations and technological integration which are essential for advancing the sports ecosystem.

As a kicker, sports assets encompass the tangible and intangible components within the sports industry.

Typical examples of sports assets include leagues, tournaments, teams/clubs, stadia, broadcasting rights and other intellectual properties that drive entertainment, fan-engagement cum revenue generation.

In Nigeria, prominent examples of sports assets include the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the President Federation Cup (PFC).

Both serve as national treasures that showcase football talent and the promotion of a unifying spirit across the country.

As noted earlier, these assets are not just platforms for competition; they are tools for community development, talent discovery and international representation.

They hold immense potential to contribute to Nigeria’s economy or GDP, enhancement of the global image of the country and promote corporate brands when managed effectively.

For example, in the past three years, GTI Group has remained focused, resolute and at the forefront of helping in restructuring and repositioning the elite league in the country by laying a solid structure that drives positively the business aspect of the beautiful game.

Thus, partnerships in sports assets involve strategic alliances between sports entities and corporate organizations. These alliances are not limited to financial sponsorships; they often include branding opportunities and media rights collaborations.

For instance, companies invest in sports assets to increase visibility and align their brand with the passion of sports fans. In return, sports organizations benefit from this support by improving their infrastructure, operational systems, enhancing professionalism and expanding their reach.

This win-win scenario drives the industry forward, creating an environment conducive for innovation and growth.

Globally, sponsorships have helped to drive social change and community development. A prime example is MasterCard’s collaboration with Major League Baseball, which integrates social causes like cancer awareness into its sponsorship strategy.

Similarly, various sports events are organized to promote advocacy for healthy living. Partnerships can help align commercial success with social impact, benefitting both brands and the communities they serve.

The Media and Publicity department of GTI Group has continuously emphasized the critical role of Corporate Nigeria and other International

Conglomerates in supporting sports assets. These partnership deals have the capacity to unlock opportunities for economic growth and global competitiveness. Such investments are not only financially rewarding but also socially impactful, as they contribute to talent development, community building, and national pride.

The socio-economic gains of sports asset partnership deals could be summarized below:

1. Boosts GDP: By attracting investments, partnership deals create job opportunities in areas like event management, broadcasting and merchandising; thereby enhancing economic activities for these sports assets cum GDP of the country.

2. Talent Development: Sponsorships often fund grassroots programmes and help enable the discovery and nurturing of future stars in various sports disciplines.

3. Empowering Youth: Sports partnerships empower the socio-economic development of the youths, steering them away from negative influences like crime and fostering a culture of discipline and excellence.

4. Promoting inclusivity and unity: Sports have a unique ability to bring people together, while partnerships amplify this impact by supporting initiatives that promote social cohesion and community development.

These partnerships underscore GTI’s commitment to fostering growth in the sports sector by enhancing infrastructure, professionalism, and global competitiveness which Corporate Nigeria should latch on to take sports development to the next level in the country.

Therefore, we urge local and multinational corporate brands to exploit partnership deals with the NPFL, PFC and other sports assets for mutual benefits in order to build a vibrant sports economy we all crave.

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