United Nigeria Airlines has become the headline sponsor of the United Nigeria Airlines Ndigboamaka Traders Cup 2026 (3.0 Edition), a football tournament designed to unite traders from all 58 major markets across Lagos State.
The announcement was made on Monday during a press conference in Lagos at the unveiling of the third edition of the tournament, where the President of the Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association, Hon. Chinedu Ukatu, spoke on the significance of the initiative which will commence on October 8.
He said: “I am very delighted that United Nigeria Airlines, a proudly Nigerian airline led by our national grand patron, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has graciously accepted to be the sponsor of this tournament. United Nigeria Airlines is an airline that believes in connecting people and businesses just as we connect markets and traders. Their decision to partner with us shows their deep commitment to grassroots development and the informal sector which is the real engine of Nigeria’s economy”.
“As you all know, Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association is the apex body of 58 major markets in Lagos State. Our mandate goes beyond trade, we promote unity, peace, welfare and progress of our members and the entire Lagos trading community. Today, we are marking another milestone. We are bringing all 58 markets together, not in the marketplace, but on the football pitch, under one umbrella of unity.”
Addressing questions about the choice of football as the vehicle for this unity initiative, Ukatu explained the reasoning behind the decision. “Some people will ask why football? It is because football is a unifying language and our youths in the markets need positive engagement. We need to promote healthy living among our traders and strengthen brotherhood among markets in Alaba, Trade Fair, Ladipo, Computer Village, Balogun, Lagos Island, ASPMDA and all others.”
The tournament, themed “Unity, Enterprise and Healthy Living,” will feature 12 teams qualified from the 58 affiliate markets, with a duration of six weeks. For the grand finale which would take place at the National Stadium in Lagos winners will win different prizes.
The organizers are projecting an audience of over 500,000 direct spectators and over five million reach via radio and social media saying that the tournament will also be an opportunity to discover football talents among our traders and empower young people.
Ukatu then appealed for support saying: “On behalf of the national executives of Ndigboamaka, I sincerely thank the executive chairman and management of United Nigeria Airlines for believing in this vision. I now call on all market leaders, corporate bodies, and well-meaning Nigerians to come and support this laudable project.”
Speaking on the reason for sponsoring the tournament, the Sales Manager of United Nigeria Airlines, Nnonyelum Ibemere, said the airline’s commitment to community development. “Our mission has always been to unite people, communities and businesses. This tournament embodies the same values we hold dear, which are unity, enterprise, and progress. Across the country, we carry out very impactful Corporate Social Responsibility and we touch lives every day.”
“We are particularly inspired by the tournament’s focus on youth engagement, talent discovery, and healthy living among our business community. The trading community is the true engine of Nigeria’s economy, and it deserves our unwavering support. The vision to unite all 58 markets on the football pitch is a powerful statement about the strength of collective action and United Nigeria Airlines is privileged to be part of this. We congratulate the Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association on its efforts and look forward to a very successful tournament.”