The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has launched its Inter-Agency Sports Competition to strengthen relationships among journalists, government agencies, security organisations and other stakeholders through sportsmanship and healthy competition.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, who was represented by the Vice Chairman, Yahaya Ndambabo, described the competition as a platform for promoting friendship, teamwork, physical fitness and institutional collaboration.
She said the initiative went beyond sporting activities, noting that it was designed to bring together media professionals and key institutions in an atmosphere that encouraged interaction, mutual understanding and lasting partnerships.
According to her, journalists often worked under intense pressure and demanding deadlines, making it necessary to create opportunities for relaxation, wellness and engagement outside the newsroom.
“The greater objective is not simply to win trophies but to build lasting relationships and foster a stronger sense of community among participating organisations,” she said.
The council chairman commended the various agencies and organisations that accepted the invitation to participate, describing their involvement as a demonstration of their commitment to strengthening ties with the media and promoting unity through sports.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Chibueze Chidioka, said the competition would serve as a platform to deepen engagement between the media, government institutions and corporate organisations while promoting the welfare and wellbeing of journalists.
He expressed appreciation to sponsors, partners and members of the organising committee for their support and urged participating teams to uphold discipline, fairness and sportsmanship throughout the competition.
Providing details of the tournament, Dr Sunday Obasaki said 18 teams drawn from media, security, government and professional organisations would compete in the event.
Participating teams include the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigerian Air Force (NAF), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Federal High Court of Nigeria (FHC), Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), AIBEN Properties, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), FCT Football Coaches Association, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Women Football All Stars Association of Nigeria, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Army and National Institute for Sports (NIS).
The matches will be played at the Area 3 Football Pitch and the Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Garki, Abuja.
The NUJ FCT Council expressed optimism that the competition would become an annual event, promoting friendship, healthy living and stronger institutional relationships among participating organisations.
