A delegation of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Correspondents Chapel, today visited the Director of Sports of FCT Sports Council, Mr Luka Istifanus.
The visit, led by Chairman of the Chapel, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, it was gathered, is part of preparations ahead of the 2nd edition of the football tournament of the NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel.
Speaking during the visit, Comrade Oyekunle informed that a pre-tournament press conference and draws had been scheduled to be held on June 18th, 2024.
Oyekunle disclosed that the pre-tournament press conference and draws will be held at Transcorp Hilton Abuja, where the Ambassador of the tournament would be unveiled officially.
He further disclosed that 18 organisations, including Aiben, Department of State Services (DSS), Federal High Court (FHC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) have been pegged for the tournament.
Other organisations he said include: the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited.
More participating organisations include: the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).
Speaking on the motives behind the NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel football tournament, Comrade Oyekunle said it is to promote friendliness among participating organisations.
“Given the nature of our job, we encounter personnel and members of participating organisations almost on a daily basis. It is, therefore, incumbent to promote friendly relationships among us,” Oyekunle said.
Reacting, Mr Istifanus, who accepted the request of the NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel to take the ceremonial kick off of the tournament, commended the Chapel for putting the tournament together.
The FCT Sports Council Director assured that the Old Parade Ground venue of the tournament will be available for the use of the NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel.
“The Old Parade Ground is constructed for sporting activities. We appreciate the work journalists do and understand the place of the press in society. We cannot deny you the use of the venue,” Mr Istifanus said.
In his remarks during the visit, Assistant Secretary of the Chapel, Mr Ediri Oyibo, who is Editor of TheNewsGuru.com (TNG), appreciated Mr Istifanus for granting approval for the use of the venue and for accepting to take the ceremonial kick off.
In the delegation are Treasurer of the Chapel, Mr Emmanuel Ehijene of Plus TV Africa, and Team Correspondents Medical Director, Ms Rity Ike of Portfolio Media.