The Group Managing Director of GTI, Abubakar Lawal, has reaffirmed his company’s commitment to restructuring and repositioning Nigerian football to match global standards.
Speaking after receiving an award at the recently concluded Newstap/SWAN 5-Star Award ceremony in Lagos, Lawal expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating that it would further motivate GTI to contribute more to the development of the sports ecosystem.
READ ALSO: Heartland Queens Eye Back-to-Back Wins Against Confluence Queens in NWFL Premiership Clash
“I am delighted that SWAN, the umbrella body of sports journalists in Nigeria, alongside Newstap, a leading online media platform, acknowledged our significant investment in reviving the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the President Federation Cup. This award is particularly special to us, which is why I attended this event with my lovely wife and the GTI team,” Lawal stated.
He emphasized that the award serves as an encouragement for GTI to continue its efforts in elevating Nigerian football.
“This is a historic moment for GTI Group, and I appreciate everyone who made this event a remarkable success,” he added.
Lawal also took the opportunity to commend the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, for his dedication to sports development since assuming office. He acknowledged Dikko’s belief in GTI’s vision for transforming Nigerian football.
“I sincerely appreciate NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi for their support, which facilitated GTI’s entry into the Nigerian sports ecosystem. I also thank the media for trusting in our vision to provide long-term solutions to the challenges facing the NPFL and the President Federation Cup,” he said.
Outlining GTI’s approach, Lawal revealed that their intervention in the NPFL is divided into three phases.
“Our first phase has been successfully completed, making the NPFL more visible globally while improving its organization and management. Now, we are in the second phase, focusing on professionalizing club management and enhancing player welfare. This will help reduce the exodus of our top talents to lesser-known leagues worldwide,” he explained.
He also praised fellow award recipients and acknowledged Hon. Kunle Soname for setting a high standard in NPFL club management.
“For us at GTI, the best is yet to come,” Lawal concluded
