Nilayo Hails PremiumTrust Bank for Boosting Sports Development, Youth Empowerment
Oru Leonard
Nilayo Sports Management has commended PremiumTrust Bank for its commitment to sports development and youth empowerment through the successful hosting of the third edition of the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon.
The international sporting event, which ended on Saturday in Abuja, attracted more than 120 international athletes, further strengthening the Federal Capital Territory’s position as an emerging destination for international athletics competitions.
The marathon featured exciting sporting activities, entertainment and cultural displays, with athletes, dignitaries and spectators participating in the festivities.
The event also provided financial opportunities for Nigerian youths and international athletes, who received cash prizes capable of supporting their personal and entrepreneurial aspirations beyond sports.
Speaking with journalists after the competition, the Chief Operating Officer of Nilayo Sports Management and initiator of the marathon, Mrs Yetunde Olopade, expressed appreciation to PremiumTrust Bank for its commitment and significant contribution to the success of the event.
Olopade described the bank’s sponsorship as a demonstration of corporate credibility, social responsibility and genuine commitment to youth development.
According to her, the partnership has provided a platform for engaging young people positively, creating opportunities and reducing youth involvement in social vices.
She particularly commended the Chief Executive Officer of PremiumTrust Bank, Emmanuel Efe Emefienim, CON, FCIB, for his personal involvement and commitment to the marathon.
Olopade noted that Emefienim’s attendance at the World Press Conference on Friday and his early presence at the competition demonstrated his passion for sports development.
She also recalled the bank’s recent sponsorship of a dinner in honour of Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, describing it as further evidence of its growing investment in sports.
While expressing optimism about subsequent editions of the marathon, the Nilayo Sports Management COO called on other private sector organisations to emulate PremiumTrust Bank by increasing investment in sporting activities.
She stressed that sports remain a veritable instrument for economic development, youth engagement, talent discovery and national integration.
Olopade also acknowledged the contributions of the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Malam Shehu Dikko; the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade; President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Chief Tony Okowa; Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Olympic Committee, Chief Solomon Ogba; the World Athletics representative and other stakeholders in road racing.
She said the collective support of sports administrators, corporate organisations and other stakeholders was critical to sustaining the growth of athletics in Nigeria.
The third edition of the Abuja City International Half Marathon has further highlighted the potential of strategic private-sector investment in transforming sports into a viable platform for youth empowerment, economic opportunities and international recognition for Nigeria.
