AIBEN property to sponsor 4th NUJ FCT football tournament, bags real estate service award

AIBEN Property, a leading force in Nigeria’s real estate sector, has officially pledged its support for the 4th edition of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council Football Tournament, set to take place in 2026.

This commitment was made 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 Council Chairperson Ms. Grace Ike, on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr. Elerewe expressed AIBEN Property’s enthusiasm for contributing to the success of the tournament, which has become a key event promoting unity, wellness, and camaraderie among journalists in the Federal Capital Territory.

Mr. Elerewe applauded the NUJ’s initiative of leveraging sports, particularly football, as a vehicle for fostering unity among journalists, security agencies, government institutions, and the private sector. He noted the importance of the long-standing partnership between AIBEN and the media, which he said has promoted camaraderie and healthy competition.

“As a demonstration of our continued support, AIBEN will provide its Maralago Sports Complex, located along the Kubwa Expressway, as the venue for the 4th edition of the tournament. We will also continue in our role as title sponsor,” he stated.

According to him, the tournament offers more than just football matches; it is a vital platform for networking, team building, and engagement between journalists and participating organisations. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to initiatives that enhance social cohesion and contribute meaningfully to the wider Nigerian society.

As part of the visit, the NUJ FCT Council formally presented Mr Elerewe with the tournament’s promotional materials, including flyers, banners, and a customised jersey numbered 10. The AIBEN boss expressed his enthusiasm for the event, promising to take to the pitch himself during the tournament.

Speaking at the event, Ms Grace Ike commended AIBEN’s unwavering support, particularly during the tournament’s early years when it was organised solely by the Correspondents’ Chapel. She noted that the tournament has since been adopted by the Council, elevating its status and impact.

“Football is a universal language that unites people. This tournament has become a major rallying point for media professionals and stakeholders across sectors,” she remarked.

The 3rd edition of the NUJ FCT Football Tournament is scheduled to take place from 18th to 23rd August 2025 at the Area 3 Football Pitch and the Area 10 Football Field, both located near the Old Parade Ground in Abuja.

Participating teams will include: AIBEN Properties, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal High Court (FHC), and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Others are: Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Nigeria Air Force (NAF), and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

The tournament draw and press conference will hold on 12th August 2025 at the NUJ FCT Council Secretariat in Utako by 10:00am.

The tournament, first held in 2023 and 2024 under the auspices of the NUJ FCT Correspondents’ Chapel, saw the Federal Road Safety Corps emerge as consecutive champions.