Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, is set to host the 2026 Unity Football Tournament, an inter-community sporting competition aimed at promoting peace, unity, youth development and stronger relationships among its host and catchment communities.
The tournament will bring together football teams from Oyo, Iwaa, Apata, Jakura and Obajana at the Dangote Academy, providing a platform for friendship, healthy competition, social inclusion and peaceful coexistence.
Group Head of Social Performance at Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Wakeel Olayiwola, described the competition as an important initiative for strengthening the relationship between the company and its host communities through sports, youth engagement and active community participation.
According to Olayiwola, the tournament underscores the power of sports to bridge social differences, promote mutual understanding and foster a sense of belonging among diverse communities.
He noted that the competition would provide an opportunity for participating communities to interact positively, build lasting friendships and work towards shared development goals.
The Plant Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, Engr. Azad Nawabuddin, urged the Local Organising Committee (LOC) to collaborate effectively with relevant stakeholders and participating communities to ensure the successful conduct of the tournament.
He emphasised the need for transparent administration, proper player accreditation, adequate security arrangements, medical support, effective logistics and strict adherence to the competition's rules.
Nawabuddin said these measures were essential to ensuring that the tournament was conducted in a safe, orderly, fair and professional atmosphere consistent with the values and standards of Dangote Cement Plc.
Also speaking on the objectives of the competition, the Head of Social Performance at the Obajana Plant, Prince Ademola Adeyemi, said the tournament was designed to achieve more than the presentation of trophies and medals.
According to Adeyemi, the initiative seeks to strengthen bonds among participating communities, encourage positive youth engagement, identify emerging football talents and provide young people with opportunities to demonstrate discipline, teamwork, leadership and sporting excellence.
He expressed confidence that the competition would contribute to community development by encouraging constructive interaction and promoting the values of cooperation and mutual respect among young people.
The Secretary of the Local Organising Committee, Mr. Iguoba John, announced that the tournament would officially commence on Friday, October 16, 2026.
John noted that community-based sporting activities remained effective tools for strengthening stakeholder relationships, promoting social cohesion and building mutual trust between corporate organisations and the communities in which they operate.
Speaking on behalf of the catchment communities, the Youth Chairman and Youth Leader of Apata, Comrade Ayodele Julius, assured the organisers of the youths' commitment to peaceful participation and cooperation throughout the competition.
He pledged the support of the communities in maintaining an atmosphere of unity, mutual respect and friendly rivalry among participating teams and their supporters.
The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Mr. Idris Emmanuel, disclosed that the committee had scheduled the unveiling of the tournament jerseys for October 12 and 13, 2026, as part of activities leading up to the opening ceremony.
Emmanuel called on traditional institutions, community leaders, youth organisations, sports enthusiasts and other stakeholders to support the initiative and mobilise residents for active participation.
Similarly, the Vice Chairman of the LOC, Comrade Idowu Olukasam Owolabi, urged participating teams, community representatives and supporters to uphold discipline, fair play and the spirit of sportsmanship throughout the competition.
He stressed that the tournament should serve as an opportunity to strengthen relationships, celebrate sporting talent and reinforce the shared commitment of the participating communities to peaceful coexistence.
The 2026 Unity Football Tournament forms part of Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant's community engagement efforts, using sports as a platform to encourage youth participation, strengthen inter-community relations and promote sustainable partnerships with its host and catchment communities.
