United Nigeria Airlines headlines 2026 Ndigboamaka traders cup

United Nigeria Airlines has expanded its corporate social responsibility portfolio by securing the headline sponsorship for the third edition of the Ndigboamaka Traders Cup 2026.

The football tournament, designed to bring together traders across 58 major commercial hubs in Lagos State, was officially announced on Monday during a press conference in Lagos.

The tournament—themed “Unity, Enterprise, and Healthy Living”—is set to kick off on October 8 and run for six weeks. It will culminate in a grand finale at the National Stadium, Lagos, where top-performing teams will contend for various cash prizes and awards.

Speaking at the unveiling, the President of the Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association, Chief Chinedu Ukatu, lauded the carrier for its backing of grassroots economic actors.

“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,” Ukatu stated.

“United Nigeria Airlines believes in connecting people and businesses, just as we connect markets and traders. Their decision to partner with us demonstrates a deep commitment to grassroots development and the informal sector, which serves as the real engine of Nigeria’s economy.”

Highlighting sports as an engagement tool, Ukatu noted that football remains an unrivalled unifying force for market youths and entrepreneurs across prominent commercial bases, including Alaba International, Trade Fair Complex, Ladipo, Computer Village, Balogun, ASPMDA, and Lagos Island.

“Football is a unifying language,” Ukatu added. “We need to promote healthy living among our traders and strengthen brotherhood across all 58 affiliate markets.”

The organisers project a direct stadium viewership of over 500,000 spectators, with media reach expected to exceed five million people across radio and digital platforms. Beyond fostering camaraderie, the six-week contest aims to identify grassroots football talent among young traders.

Speaking on behalf of the carrier, United Nigeria Airlines Sales Manager Nnonyelum Ibemere emphasised that the sponsorship aligns with the airline’s core ethos of connecting communities and driving social growth.

“Our mission has always been to unite people, communities, and businesses,” Ibemere said. “This tournament embodies the values we hold dear—unity, enterprise, and progress. The trading community is the true engine of Nigeria’s economy, and it deserves unwavering support. We are privileged to partner with Ndigboamaka on this initiative.”

A total of 12 qualified market teams will participate in the final tournament draws starting next month.

Wole Shadare