AIBEN Property, a leading name in Nigeria’s real estate sector, has reaffirmed its commitment to sports development and media partnership by pledging to host the 4th edition of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council Football Tournament in 2026.
This announcement follows the company’s recent recognition, with its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Andy Elerewe, receiving the NUJ FCT Outstanding Real Estate Service Award.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by a delegation of the NUJ FCT Council led by its Chairman, Ms Grace Ike, in Abuja, Mr Elerewe commended the Union’s use of football to foster unity among journalists, security agencies, government institutions and the private sector.
He emphasised the enduring relationship between AIBEN and the media, noting that such collaborations promote camaraderie, networking and healthy competition.
“As a demonstration of our continued support, AIBEN will provide its Maralago Sports Complex along the Kubwa Expressway as the venue for the 4th edition of the tournament. We will also continue as the title sponsor,” he said.
Mr Elerewe stressed that the tournament is more than just a sporting event, describing it as a platform for team building, engagement and social cohesion. He expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming competition and promised to personally feature on the pitch.
During the visit, the NUJ FCT Council presented him with tournament promotional materials, including flyers, banners and a customised jersey numbered 10.
In her remarks, Ms Grace Ike applauded AIBEN’s steadfast support, especially during the tournament’s formative years when it was solely organised by the Correspondents’ Chapel. She highlighted that its adoption by the Council has elevated the competition’s prestige and impact.
“Football is a universal language that unites people. This tournament has become a rallying point for media professionals and stakeholders across sectors,” she said.
The 3rd edition of the NUJ FCT Football Tournament will hold from 18th to 23rd August 2025 at the Area 3 Football Pitch and Area 10 Football Field near the Old Parade Ground, Abuja.
Confirmed teams 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 the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Nigeria Air Force (NAF) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
The draw and pre-tournament press conference will take place on 12th August 2025 at the NUJ FCT Council Secretariat in Utako, Abuja.
The tournament, first staged in 2023 under the NUJ FCT Correspondents’ Chapel, has been won twice consecutively by the Federal Road Safety Corps