United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) says it will promote unity among traders through its sponsorship of the 2026 Ndigboamaka Traders Cup.
The airline was named headline sponsor of the tournament, which brings together traders from 58 major markets across Lagos State.
The sponsorship was announced on Monday at a media briefing in Lagos to unveil the third edition of the tournament, scheduled to commence on Oct. 8.
The President, Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association, Mr Chinedu Ukatu, said that the partnership reflected the shared commitment of the association and UNA to promoting unity, enterprise and grassroots development.
Ukatu said that the tournament would provide an avenue for traders across the participating markets to interact, foster stronger relationships, and promote healthy competition.
He described UNA, led by its National Grand Patron, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, as an airline that shared the association’s vision of connecting people, businesses and communities.
“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,” the president said.
He said that the Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association, as the apex body of 58 major markets in Lagos, had responsibilities beyond trade.
According to him, their responsibilities include promoting unity, peace, welfare and progress among members of the trading community.
He said that the tournament would provide an opportunity for the markets to come together, outside their normal business activities.
“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,” Ukatu said.
Explaining the choice of football for the initiative, he said that the sport remained an effective platform for engaging young people and promoting healthy living.
“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 president said.
He said that the grand finale would take place at the National Stadium in Lagos, where winners and other outstanding participants would receive prizes.
Ukatu also projected more than 500,000 direct spectators and an additional five million people reached through radio and social media during the tournament.
Beyond promoting unity among the markets, he said that the competition would provide an avenue for talent discovery and youth empowerment within the trading community.
The president appealed to market leaders, corporate organisations and other stakeholders to support the initiative.
Responding, the Sales Manager at UNA, Mrs Nnonyelum Ibemere, said that the airline’s sponsorship was consistent with its commitment to community development and corporate social responsibility.
Ibemere said that the airline’s mission had always been to unite people, communities and businesses.
“This tournament embodies the same values we hold dear, which are unity, enterprise and progress,” she said.
The sales manager said that UNA was particularly encouraged by the tournament’s focus on youth engagement, talent discovery and healthy living.
“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,” she said.
Ibemere congratulated the Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association for sustaining the initiative and expressed the airline’s expectation of a successful third edition.
