The Group Managing Director of GTI Asset Management and Trust Limited, Abubakar Lawal, has expressed his gratitude following the nomination of the organization as a recipient of the inaugural Newstap/SWAN Five Star Sports Award.
Speaking on Tuesday 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 described the recognition as a validation of GTI’s contributions to Nigerian football.
Reflecting on the company’s role as a strategic partner for the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Lawal reaffirmed GTI’s commitment to supporting the growth of football in the country.
“What can I say, except to thank Newstap and SWAN for recognizing the contributions we are making,” he said. “We pray for the strength and resources to extend similar support to the Nigeria National League (NNL) in the near future.
“It’s all about Nigeria. No one else will rebuild this country for us. We must take responsibility as Nigerians. I thank you once again for this recognition and look forward to brighter days for Nigerian football.”
George Aluo, Editor-in-Chief of Newstap and Chairman of the NNL, praised GTI’s efforts in revitalizing the NPFL. He noted that without GTI’s strategic partnership, the league would not have reached its current level of development.
“If not for your involvement, the NPFL wouldn’t be where it is today. This award is a token of our appreciation for the impact GTI has made,” Aluo said while formally presenting the award nomination letter to Lawal.
Benjamin Isaiah, the President of SWAN, represented by the Secretary of the South West zone, Charles Ogundiya, also commended GTI’s contributions. He urged the organization to aim even higher, aspiring to elevate Nigerian football to the level of globally renowned leagues like the English Premier League.
The Newstap/SWAN Five Star Sports Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the development of sports in Nigeria. GTI’s recognition underscores its pivotal role in the resurgence of professional football in the country.