PremiumTrust Bank Becomes Lead Sponsor Of Maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival.
The inaugural edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) has received a significant boost with the announcement of PremiumTrust Bank as the lead sponsor. The festival, scheduled to take place from 1 to 8 April in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, aims to provide a platform for young talents in the region to showcase their sporting abilities.
At the unveiling ceremony held at the bank’s headquarters in Lagos, Hon. Boma Iyaye, Executive Director of Finance and Accounting at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Chairman of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), highlighted the importance of PremiumTrust Bank’s involvement. He noted that the bank was chosen as the festival’s official financial partner due to its strong track record in supporting sports in Nigeria.
“NDDC is known for infrastructure projects, but we recognise the need to invest in sports to engage and empower the youth,” Iyaye stated. “Through this festival, we aim to discover new talent and hand them over to the National Sports Commission (NSC). While the NDDC could fund the games alone, we believe corporate organisations like PremiumTrust Bank should play a role because sports contribute to reducing crime in society.”
Iyaye also expressed appreciation for Nilayo Sports Management for facilitating the partnership with PremiumTrust Bank, describing them as valuable partners in making the festival a reality.
Speaking at the event, Itiako Ikokpo, Managing Director of Dunamis Icon Limited and Co-chairman of the MOC, praised Nilayo Sports and PremiumTrust Bank for their commitment, stating that the festival was already a success before its commencement.
PremiumTrust Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Mr Emmanuel Efe Emefienim, reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to sports development in Nigeria.
“Apart from serving as the official banker for the NDDC Games, we are also the lead sponsors of the Gateway Games in Abeokuta. Previously, we sponsored the National Sports Festival in Asaba in 2022 and provided financial support for Nigerian athletes Tobi Amusan and Ese Brume for three years,” Emefienim said.
The bank’s involvement in sports extends further, having sponsored Bayelsa Queens during their CAF Champions League campaign and the Abuja Marathon. Emefienim emphasised that investing in sports provides opportunities for young people, ultimately benefiting the entire nation.
Mrs Yetunde Olopade, Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, also expressed her gratitude to PremiumTrust Bank and the NDDC for their trust in Nilayo Sports as the official marketing company for the festival. She acknowledged Dunamis Icon Limited’s contribution as the event’s official consultant.
Meanwhile, the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, announced that the Chairman of the Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, would be in Uyo on 1 April to officially declare the festival open. He also commended the organisers for initiating a project that aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of building a sustainable sports economy in Nigeria.
With strong corporate backing and a focus on youth development, the maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival is set to leave a lasting impact on sports in the region.
