The Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has expressed his administration’s readiness to partner with Guinness Nigeria PLC to drive sports development in the state, which he described as the home of sporting legends and abundant young talents.
Governor Mbah made this known on Friday at the Government House, Enugu, when a delegation from Guinness Nigeria showcased the iconic English Premier League (EPL) trophy to him as part of the company’s promotional tour in Nigeria.
Guinness Nigeria PLC, in partnership with the English Premier League, brought the iconic silverware to Enugu on Friday, May 16, ahead of its scheduled display in Lagos on Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18, respectively. The initiative aims to provide fans in Nigeria with a rare opportunity to see the world-famous EPL trophy up close.
Speaking during the trophy presentation at the Lion Building, Enugu Government House, Governor Mbah emphasized the importance of sports in promoting unity and development.
“Like Guinness, we regard sports as a positive force in Enugu. We are not surprised that the Guinness flagship event is being held here in Enugu. Just like Guinness, we also see sports as a platform to foster social cohesion. We are not just paying lip service to sports; we actually have our skin in the game,” Mbah said.
He highlighted his administration’s efforts to revamp sports infrastructure in the state as part of preparations to host the 2026 edition of the National Sports Festival.
“We believe that the EPL is quite a spectacle with audiences across the world and you couldn’t have chosen a better city for the flagship event than Enugu.
“Again, since here is the home of Rangers and since we have also recognised that this is where it all happens, let us begin to think about more collaboration with Guinness to see how we can secure endorsement with the Guinness corporate brand. This should be on the table because Rangers also won the 2023/2024 Nigerian Premier League title.
“We are just about giving the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and Awgu Games Village a new lease of life, making sure they meet FIFA and World Athletics standards ahead of the National Sports Festival. So, we look forward to more strategic collaboration with Guinness. We are quite a business-friendly state,” Mbah added.
Earlier, the Corporate Relations Director at Guinness Nigeria PLC and leader of the delegation, Mr. Rotimi Odusola, said the choice of Enugu as the first stop for the trophy tour was deliberate, given its historical relevance in Nigerian football and the state’s recent transformation.
“Some may wonder why Enugu. There is a reason for us to choose Enugu as the first place in Nigeria since this trophy arrived yesterday. It is because we know that Enugu State is the spiritual home of football in Nigeria. As a young football lover, I can’t forget all of the stories around Enugu Rangers football team,” Odusola stated.
He also commended Governor Mbah’s developmental strides, noting significant progress in the state since his last visit.
“I want to also appreciate you for the work you are doing. The last time I was in Enugu was in 2022 and I have seen remarkable improvements in Enugu State since my last visit.
“This presentation of the EPL trophy is an opportunity for us to reinforce Guinness Nigeria being a business that has been intricate in the fabric of Nigeria for 75 years. We also want to use this opportunity to create magical moments for our consumers and members of the public through the collaboration between Guinness globally and the English Premier League,” Odusola added.
Also present at the event were the Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke; Director, Marketing and Innovations, Guinness Nigeria, Yinka Bakare; Director, Corporate Relations, Guinness Nigeria, Rotimi Odusola; Head of Marketing, Guinness Nigeria, Ramanathan Sollayepan; Head of Division, South-East Region, Guinness Nigeria, Adesoji Opeyemi; General Manager, Rangers International Football Club of Enugu, Barr. Amobi Ezeaku; and Chairman, Enugu State Football Association, Barr. Tony Ugwu, among others.
