The Food Security and Sports Diplomacy event unveiled by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Lagos State chapter and Pan African American Chamber of Commerce (PAACC) to commemorate the United Nations World Nutrition Month cannot be a better success without mentioning and applauding the support from the NIgeria Bottling Company (NBC) maker of Coca-Cola soft drink, Carolkings Media Ltd, Promasidor (Cowbell), Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN) and MOL Tech Ltd.

According to the chairman of Lagos SWAN, Ambassador Olatutu Oladunni, the impactful and productive partnerships and sponsorships cannot be underestimated as they continue to offer unlimited support to the upgrade of sports diplomacy initiatives and their influence on diversity in international diplomacy and foreign trade.

She said: “These companies proved beyond doubt again their unwavering support to community advancement, youth developmental growth and socio-economic upgrade via their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR ) and the Society Development Goal which have made the likes of  NBC, Flour Mills of Nigeria and Promasidor a force to reckon with over the years and the new corporate diplomatic prospective company with innovation, Carolkings Media Ltd and of course the amiable growing tech giant, MOL Tech Ltd, have continued to show unlimited potentials in terms of support to social development and community building to various agencies in the Nigerian society.

“We can boldly say their unwavering partnership and support has taken Lagos SWAN to another sophisticated level of progress and advancement, giving the sports writers association in the Centre of Excellence better relevance and recognition among its peers in the society.”

The event, held at the Rahman Bello Hall inside the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, southwest Nigeria, was a moment for Lagos SWAN and its partners, Pan African American Chamber of Commerce (PAACC) and the Defence Headquarters, was a success thanks to the support from the companies.

“We cannot but thank the Almighty God for the success of the program, and more importantly, Lagos SWAN recognised with humility the support we got from our friends in the private sector who believed in our cause to redirect and reinvigorate sports journalism in Lagos,” said Ambassador Oladunni.

“Companies such as Nigeria Bottling Company (NBC), Coca-Cola, Flour Mills of Nigeria, Promasidor,  Nestle, MOL Tech, Carolkings Media and others generously gave their support to spice up the event.

“The support was so awesome, and the association is well pleased, looking forward to seeing more of this support in our future events,” she said.

The presence of the high-profile personalities added glamour to the international forum from the majestic presence of His Royal Majesty, who also doubled as the professor of petroleum, Kabiyesi, Olowu of Owu, Abeokuta, Oba.  (Prof) Saka Adelola Matemilola and his amiable wife, Queen of Owu kingdom, Olori (Ambassador) Adijat Adelola Matemilola, who was also decorated and honoured as the new face of Lagos SWAN, Sports Diplomacy Tourism and Culture Ambassador, while the event was equipped with sophistication of UN/WTO trainees on good security and organic food manufacturers.

The esteemed presence of the Defence Headquarters’ delegation of the Chief of Defence of Staff, General Musa Christopher Gwambe, ably represented by Commandant, Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Oshodi, Lagos (NAFRI), Air Vice Marshall Bashir Rimi Mamman, Comptroller General Nigeria Customs Services, CG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, represented by Deputy Controller Gbenga Adeniyi, MFM General Overseer Dr. Daniel Olukoya, ably represented by the Chairman House Fellowship Board, Pastor Gabriel Abayomi.

Others included AIG Zone 2 Headquarters, Lagos, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, Dr Ayo Ogunsan, a board member Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Kabiyesi Oniwaya, Yaba, Oba Sulaiman Ogun-Oloko and his amiable Queen also Lagos SWAN Sports Diplomacy Ambassador, Olori Temitope Ogun-Oloko, Principal of the Queens College, Lagos, Dr. Adetutu, Vice Chancellor, Mountain Top University, Prof Ayolabi, National President of SWAN, Mr Isaiah Benjamin and National Exco members,  World Trade Organization Trainee on Food Security and Export, Dr Aisha Ime-James alongside her delegates, Director General of the Institute of Security Nigeria, University of Lagos, Barr. Akinade, among others and the amiable international food exhibitors across the continent and a host of others who included students of Mountain Top University and students at Queen College, Lagos.

Inter Milan has signed a wide-reaching partnership with Fanatics that will see the US-based e-commerce giant take control of the club’s global merchandise operations.

The agreement will cover retail and manufacturing to licensing and online sales, marking another major play by Fanatics in European football.

The deal signals a shift in strategy for Inter, which is leaning on Fanatics’ infrastructure and global reach to expand its merchandise offering beyond Italy.

The club has faced challenges fully monetising its international profile in recent years, especially compared to some of its European peers. Outsourcing to Fanatics is an attempt to close that gap.

“Inter boasts a global fanbase of over 530 million people that are interested in our brand and ranks as the second fastest-growing European club since 2020. As our international presence continues to expand across every continent, it has become increasingly important for us to stay connected with our fans, wherever they may be” said Giorgio Ricci, FC Internazionale Milano Chief Revenue Officer.

“To achieve this, we are proud to partner with a global leader in sports merchandising like Fanatics. This collaboration will transform the way Inter is present in the retail sector—not only in Italy, but even more so on the international stage.”

While the club frames the move as a “redefining of the fan experience,” in reality, it reflects a growing trend of clubs outsourcing retail and licensing operations to commercial partners with more experience – and scale – than they can develop in-house.

“Inter is a powerhouse in world football, with a rich heritage and unwavering commitment to excellence both on and off the pitch” said Stephen Dowling, president of International at Fanatics. “We’re excited to partner with such an iconic club to enhance the shopping experience for millions of fans, with incredible products and designs Contact the writer of this story,

Insideworldfootball.com

Organic beverage brand Yerba Madre (formerly known as Guayakí Yerba Mate) has become an official partner of the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup which kicks off this Saturday at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles with Mexico playing the Dominican Republic.

As an official partner, Yerba Madre will own ‘Extra Time’ showing up on substitution boards, stadium videoboards and live PA announcements. Additionally, the brand will have field level exposure to create fan experiences at participating stadiums and offer its beverages in VIP suites.

As a brand deeply rooted in purpose, regeneration, and cultural connection, Yerba Madre aligns closely with our values and the spirit of our tournament,” said Philippe Moggio, General Secretary at Concacaf. “This partnership both enhances the fan experience and brings meaningful visibility to sustainability on one of the biggest stages in our region.”
A cultural phenomenon, Yerba Mate has been growing in popularity in the US and has long been a drink of choice among soccer players in South America.

Yerba Madre’s model for sports marketing is based on the brand’s commitment to cultural reverence, ecological regeneration, and community engagement.

“As a leader in regenerative business, we are excited to be the first yerba mate partner for pro soccer and are inspired by the power of connecting and energizing people through sport,” said Emily Kortlang, Chief Marketing Officer at Yerba Madre. “We are proud to work with Concacaf to share that spirit with a growing community of passionate soccer fans at this world-class tournament happening across North America this summer.”

No value was given for the sponsorship.

Insideworldfootball.com