President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will host 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League champion, Remo Stars Sports Club, at the Presidential Villa, in Abuja, according to a report by sportbusinessbrand.com.
Remo Stars emerged champions of the NPFL for the first time in their history to boost the club’s brand profile.
Interestingly, this will be the first time any NPFL champion will visit the President to present the trophy in what will boost brand awareness for the domestic top flight.
An authoritative source at the Presidency told sportbusinessbrand.com that: “the move is part of the President’s Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE), an ambitious program aimed at resetting Nigeria’s sports ecosystem.”
Adding that: “A memo to have photo ops and handshake at Aso Rock for any team/club that wins a domestic league competition for any sports with a proper league and will represent Nigeria at the continent has been sent to Mr. President since December 2024.
“It will play a huge role in helping the leagues source for sponsors and motivate athletes.”
Back in May, President Tinubu saluted the Ikenne side a day after their NPFL victory through a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, to demonstrate his determination to grow the brand.
The move made Tinubu the first Nigerian leader to engage with the NPFL brand following a domestic achievement.
Highlighting Remo Stars’ resilience, Tinubu noted their courage in overcoming three previous near-misses in the league title race.
“Their courage in pursuing success despite three previous near-misses is admirable,” he said. “I hope their example will inspire other Nigerian clubs to pursue their dreams continuously with tenacity and optimism”.
The stage is set for Remo Stars to accomplish another first ever domestic team visit to the President.
“Indeed, Mr. President is amenable to this and we are working to kick start this project with Remo Stars”, the source told sportbusinessbrand.com.
When this happens, President Tinubu will be holding a jersey of Remo Stars.
President’s Tinubu’s effort to boost the NPFL is commendable as this will not only enhance brand visibility, but also boost brand engagement, to stimulate the football economy.