By George Aluo
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Wednesday hit goldmine as it signed a N2.5 billion sponsorship deal with oil and gas firm Aiteo Group.
According to the deal, the group becomes the NFF’s optimum partner for the next five years with an option for another year.
The partnership, which is the first in-country sports sponsorship for the energy giant, will start on 1st May 2017.
“Aiteo Group’s overarching social responsibility objectives are to encourage a positive impact, through our activities on the society-at-large and has successfully done so for several years. Football brings joy to the lives of Nigerians and each moment celebrated by families in their living rooms over a goal scored or friends catching up on highlights of a well –taken free –kick by their local heroes, leaves an indelible mark with memories for a life time,” Aiteo’s Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, Ndiana-Abasi Matthew, said.
“This is a long –awaited injection of funds the NFF has earnestly yearned for. We are convinced that we are turning a new chapter in Nigerian Football with this agreement in place. As Aiteo Group is breaking grounds in all spheres, we share a vision of excellence to promoting the delight of football –loving Nigerians,” said NFF’s Director of Media and Communications, Ademola Olajire.
At Wednesday’s signing ceremony, NFF President Amaju Pinnick said: “This is a heartwarming landmark in the history of football sponsorship in Nigeria. I am very happy that a critical area of our expenditure is being taken care of by this agreement.”
Aiteo Group is one of Africa’s fastest –growing energy leaders. It operates through her subsidiaries of which Aiteo Eastern E&P Co. Ltd is her main subsidiary. Aiteo has a clear vision for the future, with the experience and assets necessary to provide oil and gas products on a regional and global scale.