SWAN partners Nigeria Customs ahead of African Women’s Club Volleyball Championship

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has pledged full media support for the upcoming African Women’s Club Volleyball Championship, set to take place in Abuja from April 1-14, 2025. In a courtesy visit led by SWAN President Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, to the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), CG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, at the Customs Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, discussions centered on fostering a productive working relationship to amplify the championship’s impact and promote volleyball’s growth in Nigeria. The NCS volleyball team, Nigeria’s sole representative, is eager to improve on its fourth-place finish in 2021 and aims to leverage home advantage to make history as both hosts and potential champions. The Nigeria Customs Service, as the sole sponsor of the event, has committed significant resources to ensure a world-class tournament, making it the first-ever African Women’s Club Volleyball Championship hosted in the region. Speaking on behalf of the SWAN President, Secretary-General Ikenna Okonkwo praised the Customs Service for taking the bold step to bring Africa’s top club volleyball tournament to Nigeria. “This is a historic moment for Nigerian sports. Hosting an event of this magnitude is a testament to the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to sports development. As the sporting media, we are proud to partner with Customs to ensure this championship gets the visibility it deserves, both locally and internationally,” Okonkwo stated. FCT SWAN Chairman, Kelechi Onwudiwe, assured that the sporting press in the capital city would fully mobilise to give the event maximum coverage, working together with the SWAN National leadership. “We are committed to delivering a viral championship, one that will showcase the passion and dedication of the Nigeria Customs Service and its Comptroller General. This partnership goes beyond the championship; it is a foundation for a stronger relationship between Customs and the sporting media,” Onwudiwe emphasised. Responding, NCS Comptroller General CG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR) welcomed the collaboration, highlighting the vital role of the media in making the championship a success. “We are not just hosting this championship; we are aiming to make history. With SWAN as a strategic media partner, we are confident that this event will leave a lasting impact. Beyond volleyball, we look forward to a sustained working relationship with the sporting media for the promotion of various sports under Customs,” the CG said. With this landmark collaboration, SWAN and the Nigeria Customs Service are set to make the 2025 African Women’s Club Volleyball Championship a defining moment for Nigerian sports. The SWAN delegation also included FCT SWAN Vice Chairman Victor Okoye, FCT SWAN Secretary Samuel Ahmadu, and FCT SWAN Welfare Officer Joan Iwuchukwu.

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Grammy Award winner, Tems joins MLS Club as partner

San Diego FC (SDFC) has announced that two-time Grammy award winner, Oscar nominated, songwriter, and producer, Tems as the latest addition to the Club’s ownership group. Known for her effortless, one-of-a-kind, warm, vibrational sound, Tems brings her creative spirit and passion for community to the world of soccer as SDFC’s Club Partner. “We are delighted that Tems has joined San Diego FC as a Club Partner,” said SDFC Chairman, Sir Mohamed Mansour. “Tems is a globally significant artist who will help us to reach new audiences and spread the word about our unique project, which of course has its foundations in sub-Saharan Africa through the unique Right to Dream organization. “Tems is an extraordinary artist and cultural force worldwide,” said SDFC CEO Tom Penn. “We are honored to have her join our Club and bring her visionary perspective to San Diego FC. Her passion for empowering the next generation aligns perfectly with our mission, and her commitment to creating opportunities for young talent domestically and globally reflects the core values of Right to Dream. We also look forward to creating meaningful connections between the music world and San Diego FC, uniting communities through the shared power of culture and sport.” Tems has captivated audiences worldwide with her music, earning accolades such as a GRAMMY Award for Best African Music Performance for “Love Me JeJe” from her acclaimed debut album Born In The Wild, as well as a GRAMMY award for her work on Future’s chart-topping, triple platinum single “Wait for U,” and Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for her work on “Lift Me Up,” the lead single off the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack. Her artistry and authenticity have made her an icon of empowerment and cultural connection – values that align seamlessly with San Diego FC’s vision to unite communities through the global game. “I am thrilled to join San Diego FC’s ownership group and to be part of a Club that celebrates creativity, culture, and the power of community,” said SDFC Club Partner Tems. “Football has a unique way of bringing people together, and I am excited to help build something special in San Diego, a city that thrives on diversity and innovation.” The Lagos, Nigeria native joins a distinguished group of Club Partners who share a commitment to excellence and community engagement, including trailblazing actress Issa Rae, World Cup-winning footballer Juan Mata, retired U.S. Navy SEAL Jocko Willink, and founding partner and San Diego Padres’ perennial MLB All-Star Manny Machado. Tems is joining San Diego FC is in partnership with Pave Investments, an African private investment firm that was recently involved in leading an investment group to invest in NBA Africa’s entity in 2021.Tems joins a group of influential global figures whose personal journeys and achievements deeply align with the values and vision of both Right to Dream Academy and San Diego FC. As part of this commitment, Tunde Folawiyo, Chairman of Pave Investments, and Kwamena Afful, Founding Director of Pave Investments, will also join the San Diego FC ownership group. Together, this diverse group brings their individual global platforms, influence, and personal commitment to amplify the mission of Right to Dream Academy and San Diego FC – to inspire and empower communities meaningfully on and off the pitch.

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NSC, Plateau State partner to advance mutual interests in sports

The National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko on Friday received Plateau State Governor Bar. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang in the NSC Secretariat in Abuja. The visit enabled both parties to discuss strategic roadmap to advance issues of mutual interest in sports. Rising from the meeting, they resolved to set up a joint-working committee to implement the objectives set in the areas identified. Among wide-ranging issues, discussions included the state collaborating with the Commission in the state’s intention to complete the New Jos Township Stadium, a project the present administration is committed to executing. Similarly, the NSC will activate the Commission’s Training Center in Plateau including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approval for the NSC to align with the state government regarding the asset. Governor Mutfwang applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for restoring the National Sports Commission and appointing Dikko as Chairman. He expressed his confidence in Dikko’s capacity to take Nigerian Sports forward. “I have been following closely everything said about this appointment. This is about the first time in sports that everyone is saying that the right person was picked. We must thank Mr. President for getting this spot-on. Monitoring developments in sports since then, there is no doubt that the sector is heading upwards. I am so sure that this collaboration will yield desired results because of the man in charge of sports in the country”, he said. Mallam Dikko is similarly optimistic about the collaboration. His words, “It is interesting to note the vast knowledge His Excellency has about sports and his commitment to drive its growth in Plateau state. Where there is a will there will surely be a way. Plateau is a place of interest to us. There is a lot that both parties can do together and when the joint-working committee is set up, we will pick it up from there.”

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NFF to strengthen partnership with Mini-Football team

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has initiated a collaboration with the mini-football team aimed at creating a strategic partnership that is expected to benefit both entities. This initiative is part of the NFF’s broader commitment to enhance football development and governance in Nigeria. On Friday, representatives from the mini-football team visited the NFF headquarters in Abuja, where they met with the General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, MON. During the meeting, Dr Sanusi highlighted the importance of maintaining professionalism within the federation and emphasized the necessity for the NFF’s operations to align with the regulations established by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). Dr Sanusi reiterated the NFF’s primary role in overseeing and regulating football activities in Nigeria, clarifying that all related events must receive the appropriate approvals and sanctions from the federation. He stressed the need for compliance with the standards set forth by FIFA and CAF, underscoring the importance of adhering to global practices in football governance. The mini-football team included Alhaji Umah Yusuf Datti, Ambassador Paul Chukwudi Maduakor, Chief Agu Chukwuemelie Lambert, Ambassador Sheriff Mulade and Fabian Edaba. Their presence underscored a collective effort to advance football governance and foster collaboration within various levels of the sport in Nigeria. This partnership between the NFF and the mini-football team represents a pivotal move towards enhancing football governance and development in the country. The NFF is committed to engaging with stakeholders to achieve its objectives.

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Rivers, University of Port Harcourt partner as Team Rivers gear up for 2025 NSF

The Rivers State Ministry of Sports and University of Port Harcourt have reached a partnership which will see Athletes of the State camp and train at the facilities of the Institution ahead of the participation of Team Rivers at the upcoming 2025 National Sports Festival. Speaking at a brief ceremony to seal the partnership at the University of Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the Rivers State Sports Commissioner, Barr. Chris Green described facilities at the Institution as some of the best, not just in Nigeria, but across the continent. He added that he was confident that the benefits of the alliance will be latent and positively affect the chances of Team Rivers emerging as Nulli Secundus amongst the committee of States at the upcoming NSF. “We have the rare privilege of having the University of Port Harcourt here in Rivers State and what you have been doing in this school is such that other Universities (in the country) should emulate,” Barr. Green, a three time Sports Commissioner in Rivers State, said. “The facilities and equipment you have here and the manner in which you have maintained them (to consistently remain in optimum conditions) has made us come here. “And in line with our policy to develop Sports at grassroots level, most of the athletes with us at Team Rivers are products of the University of Port Harcourt,” he added. On his part, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Owunari Georgewill expressed excitement at the pardtnership, noting that the Institution will always welcome Athletes of Team Rivers with open arms. “This University will always partner with the Rivers State Government and we are pleased and honoured that the Sports Ministry has chosen us, yet again to camp their athletes for the NSF,” Professor Georgewill stated. Afterwards, the Rivers State Sports Commissioner and his team also paid a courtesy call to the management of the Sports Institute of the University of Port Harcourt with a member of the contingent, foremost Sports administrator, Professor Ken Anugwege acknowledging the importance of the interaction. “This visit is important as this (Uniport Sports Institute) is the facility and it is our earnest hope and desire that this partnership ends in positivity for Rivers State,” he said.

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UNGA79: Nigeria, Mastercard partner to support 1 Million African Farmers

Nigeria and Mastercard @Mastercard have announced a partnership aimed at supporting one million African farmers to improve yield and agricultural productivity. The project plan includes support for one million agricultural workers across Nigeria, Kenya and Tanzania, with a focus on enhancing financial inclusion and digital access to critical services, as well as support from the African Development Bank (@AfDB_Group). The partnership deal was sealed during a meeting between Vice President Kashim Shettima @officialSKSM and executives of Mastercard Corporation on the sidelines of the ongoing 79th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York Speaking during the meeting, the Vice President who is representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT at the annual global event noted that the initiative has transformative potential for Africa’s food security drive. He said, “This partnership is an important milestone in our quest for comprehensive financial inclusion and agricultural empowerment. “By leveraging Mastercard’s global expertise, we’re set to create unprecedented opportunities for farmers across Nigeria, Kenya, and Tanzania.” Earlier, the Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani @bosuntijani, explained that the partnership will provide digital access to critical financial services for agricultural workers, which he said is expected to significantly boost productivity and economic growth in the sector. “We’re not just introducing new technologies; we’re reimagining the entire agricultural value chain. Our goal is to ensure that every farmer, regardless of their location, has access to modern financial tools”. He disclosed that the initiative also addresses existing challenges in Nigeria’s digital payment ecosystem.  “We’re aware of the trust deficits that have hindered the full activation of contactless payments by some acquirers and banks. This partnership includes specific measures to bridge these gaps and ensure widespread adoption,” Tijani added. Also, the Country Manager for West Africa at Mastercard @MastercardSSA, Dr. Folasade Femi-Lawal, said a key component of the partnership is the rollout of contactless payment systems. “We’re planning 160 contactless payment seminars starting next February. These seminars are crucial in educating stakeholders and preparing the market for this technological leap,” he stated.

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