United Nigeria Airlines has partnered with the Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association to sponsor the 2026 Ndigboamaka Traders Cup, a football tournament aimed at promoting unity, enterprise, and healthy living among traders in Lagos. The tournament, scheduled to commence on October 8, will feature 12 teams selected from the 58 affiliated markets and will run for six weeks, culminating in a grand finale at the National Stadium in Lagos.
The President of the Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association, Chinedu Ukatu, expressed his delight at the partnership with United Nigeria Airlines, stating that it reflected the airline's commitment to connecting people, businesses, and communities. Ukatu said the tournament would provide an opportunity for the various markets to come together outside their normal trading environment and build stronger relationships through football.
The tournament, themed "Unity, Enterprise and Healthy Living," is expected to attract more than 500,000 direct spectators and reach over five million people through radio and social media platforms. The organisers said the tournament would also serve as a platform for youth engagement and football talent discovery within Lagos' extensive trading community.
According to Ukatu, the role of Ndigboamaka extends beyond commercial activities, as the association also seeks to promote unity, peace, welfare, and progress among traders and the wider Lagos business community. He described football as a powerful means of bringing people together while providing young people with constructive activities.
United Nigeria Airlines' Sales Manager, Nnonyelum Ibemere, said the partnership was consistent with the company's focus on community development and bringing people and businesses together. Ibemere added that the airline had undertaken corporate social responsibility initiatives across the country and considered the traders' community an important part of Nigeria's economy.
The 2026 edition of the tournament represents an expansion of the traders' football initiative, with the organisers seeking to use sport not only as a recreational activity but also as a platform for strengthening relationships among some of Lagos' major commercial markets, promoting healthier lifestyles, and creating opportunities for young people to display their sporting abilities.
Key points
- United Nigeria Airlines has partnered with the Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association to sponsor the 2026 Ndigboamaka Traders Cup.
- The tournament aims to promote unity, enterprise, and healthy living among traders in Lagos.
- The partnership reflects United Nigeria Airlines' commitment to community development and bringing people and businesses together.
