The Group Managing Director of GTI Assets Management and Trust Limited, Abubakar Lawal, on Tuesday expressed gratitude for his organization’s nomination as a recipient of the inaugural Newstap/SWAN Five Star Sports Award.
The recognition celebrates GTI’s transformative impact as the strategic partner of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Speaking during a visit by the management teams of Newstap Communication and the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) to GTI’s corporate headquarters in Lagos, Lawal reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the development of Nigerian football.
“It’s a privilege to be recognized for the contributions we’ve made,” said Lawal. “We pray for strength to extend similar support to the Nigeria National League (NNL) in the future. The responsibility to rebuild Nigeria, including its football, lies with us as Nigerians. No one else will do it for us.”
The Editor-in-Chief of Newstap, George Aluo, praised GTI’s pivotal role in elevating the NPFL, attributing the league’s improved standards to the strategic partnership.
“Without GTI’s involvement, the NPFL wouldn’t be where it is today. This award is a testament to the remarkable progress made,” Aluo said while formally presenting the award letter.
SWAN President Benjamin Isaiah, represented by Charles Ogundiya, urged GTI to aim even higher by positioning Nigerian football alongside global powerhouses like the English Premier League.
GTI’s recognition underlines its dedication to transforming football in Nigeria, with stakeholders hopeful for a brighter future in the sport.
