The Minister says the MoU is aimed at creating about 500,000 jobs for Nigerians, engage over 100,000,000 football enthusiasts, and showcase our country’s greatness globally.
By Raphael Ekpang
The honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with GTI Asset Management and Trust Limited to revived the Challenge Cup, which is now renamed, President Federation Cup.
GTI Asset Management and Trust Limited, is a leading investment banking firm in Nigeria with expertise in sports management and development.
While signing the MOU, the Enoh noted that It is crucial to revamp the Challenge Cup, a prestigious football competition that has captured the nation’s interest since 1945 and remains the country most celebrated sporting event.
According to him, “On Friday, April 19, 2024, I, as Minister of Sports Development, established significant partnerships with the private and corporate sectors to revive and enhance the sports ecosystem in Nigeria.
“I am pleased to announce that on April 19, 2024, an MOU was signed with GTI Asset Management and Trust Limited, a leading investment banking firm in Nigeria with expertise in sports management and development, which is already engaged with the NFF and NPFL. We are confident of their suitability for this partnership based on their track record.
“Through this partnership, we aim to relaunch the Challenge Cup as the President Federation Cup in collaboration with the NFF to reignite interest amongst fans and elevate it to global standards. The renamed competition will involve grassroots teams, create employment for approximately 500,000 Nigerians, engage over 100,000,000 football enthusiasts, and showcase our country’s greatness globally. The President Federation Cup will become President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s legacy championing Nigerian football.
“Our groundbreaking agreements with key private sector players like GTI are indications of our resolve to revolutionize sports in Nigeria, leveraging innovation, technology, and human expertise. I would like to thank Mrs Tinuke Watti, the Permanent Secretary of the Sports Ministry, Mr Musa Gusau, President of the NFF, and Mr Abubakar Lawal and all members of the GTI team for their invaluable contributions.
“May the President Federation Cup excel exceedingly for the good of Nigeria and Nigerians,” the Minister interceeded.
Core Reporters report that the coming back of the Challenge Cup (Now President Federation Cup) has long overdue, and that it will attest to the readiness of Renew Hope Agenda of President Tinubu through the sports minister, Enoh to restore the lost glory of the nation’s sports.
