United Nigeria Airlines Sponsors Third Ndigboamaka Lagos Traders Cup
The United Nigeria Airlines has entered partnership with organisers of Ndigboamaka Traders Cup as sponsors of the 2026 edition its football tournament
Chinedu Ukatu, President of the Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association disclosed this at a news conference where the third edition of the tournament was unveiled in Lagos on Monday.
Ukatu said the football tournament which would feature 12 teams from 58 major markets across Lagos state would kick off on Oct 8 for a period of six weeks with the grand finale at the National Stadium in Lagos.
Describing the partnership as a milestone, Ukatu said Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association was the apex body of major markets in Lagos State and that its mandate included promotion of unity, peace, welfare and progress of its members and the entire Lagos trading community.
“I am very delighted that United Nigeria Airlines, a proudly Nigerian airline led by our national grand patron, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has graciously accepted to be the sponsor of this tournament.
“UNA is an airline that believes in connecting people and businesses just as we connect markets and traders.
“Their decision to partner with us shows their deep commitment to grassroots development and the informal sector which is the real engine of Nigeria’s economy,” he said.
Ukatu said the choice of football was because of its unifying value and capacity to give the youth positive engagement.
He said there was a need to promote healthy living among traders and strengthen brotherhood among markets in Alaba, Trade Fair, Ladipo, Computer Village, Balogun, Lagos Island, ASPMDA and all others.”
“We are projecting an audience of over 500,000 direct spectators and over 5 million audience would be reached via radio and social media, the tournament will also be an opportunity to discover football talents among our traders and empower young people.
“On behalf of the national executives of Ndigboamaka, I sincerely thank the executive chairman and management of United Nigeria Airlines for believing in this vision and also call on all market leaders, corporate bodies, and well-meaning Nigerians to come and support this laudable project,” he said.
On his part, Nnonyelum Ibemere,the Sales Manager of United Nigeria Airlines, said the sponsorship was in line with the airline’s commitment to community development.
Nnonyelum said the mission had always been to unite people, communities and businesses adding that the tournament embodied the values of unity, enterprise, and progress which UNA held dear.
“We are particularly inspired by the tournament’s focus on youth engagement, talent discovery, and healthy living among our business community.
“The trading community is the true engine of Nigeria’s economy, and it deserves our unwavering support. The vision to unite all 58 markets on the football pitch is a powerful statement about the strength of collective action and United Nigeria Airlines is privileged to be part of this,” he said.
