The FCT Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has launched its Inter-Agency Sports Competition aimed at strengthening relationships among journalists, government and security agencies through healthy competition.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike, represented by the Vice Chairman, Yahaya Ndambabo.
The competition was described as a platform for promoting friendship, teamwork, physical fitness and institutional collaboration.
“The initiative goes beyond sporting activities, noting that it is designed to bring together media professionals and key institutions in an atmosphere that encourages interaction, mutual understanding and lasting partnerships,” Ike said.
According to her, journalists often work 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,” Ike highlighted.
The council chairman commended the various agencies and organisations that accepted the invitation to participate, describing their involvement as a demonstration of commitment to strengthening ties with the media and promoting unity through sports.
Also speaking, 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,” Chidioka said.
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, 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.
Also, the 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).
The Women Football All Stars Association of Nigeria, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Army and the National Institute for Sports (NIS), were also involved.
The matches would 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.
