NUJ Lagos unveils 2026 Media Games logo, holds football draws

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, on Thursday unveiled the logo for its 2026 Media Games and conducted the draws for the five-a-side football competition.

The games are scheduled to hold from 5 to 9 October 2026 at the Agege Mini Stadium and the NUJ Secretariat in Lagos.

Journalists from different NUJ chapels and media organisations across Lagos State are expected to participate in the competition, which will feature indoor and outdoor events.

The indoor events include table tennis, chess, Ayo, draughts and Ludo, while the outdoor events will feature five-a-side football and a 100-metre race.

Speaking at the press conference and logo unveiling ceremony, the NUJ Lagos State Council Chairman, Adeleye Ajayi, said the games were designed to provide journalists with an opportunity to relax, interact and compete outside their regular professional activities.

“As journalists, we spend so much time informing and serving the society; however, this event provides us with an opportunity to relax, connect, compete and celebrate one another,” he said.

Mr Ajayi said the event would bring together journalists from different chapels and media organisations for a week of sporting activities, fellowship and competition.

“The 2026 Media Games is expected to bring together journalists from different chapels and media organisations across Lagos State. We are expecting an exciting week of sporting activities, fellowship and healthy competition,” Mr Ajayi said.

Logo unveiled

Mr Ajayi described the unveiling of the official logo as an important milestone in preparations for the games, saying the design reflected the values the organisers hoped to promote.

“Today’s unveiling of the Media Games logo marks another important milestone in our preparations. The logo represents the spirit of unity, professionalism, teamwork and excellence that the Games seek to promote,” he said.

He also thanked sponsors, partners, media organisations and individuals who had contributed to the organisation of the event.

“I wish to sincerely appreciate our sponsors, partners, media organisations and everyone who has contributed to the success of this initiative,” he said.

“Once again, I welcome you all and thank you for your support,” Ajayi added.

The Chairman of the 2026 NUJ Lagos State Council Press Week Committee, Ayo Ojedokun, said the competition would allow journalists to unwind, interact and showcase their sporting talents.

“Journalism is a demanding profession, and we believe our colleagues deserve an opportunity to relax, interact and showcase their talents outside the newsroom,” he said.

Mr Ojedokun said the games were also intended to promote friendship, teamwork, healthy living and stronger relationships among journalists.

“Beyond the competition, the Games are designed to promote friendship, teamwork, healthy living and stronger bonds among journalists across Lagos State,” Ojedokun said.

He said the logo would give the competition a distinct identity and reflect the values underpinning the event.

“The unveiling of the logo today is significant because it gives the Games a distinct identity and symbolises the values we hope to promote unity, teamwork, professionalism, friendship and healthy competition,” he said.

Mr Ojedokun said the organisers hoped to develop the Media Games into an enduring platform for journalists to build professional and personal relationships.

“We want these Games to become an enduring platform where journalists can build relationships and create memorable experiences,” he added.

He also commended sponsors and partners for their contributions to the event.

“Your contributions have gone a long way in making these Games possible. We particularly appreciate organisations that have provided financial support, products, logistics, and other forms of assistance,” he said.

Mr Ojedokun called for additional support from corporate organisations, government agencies, media organisations and individuals, assuring prospective partners of visibility and recognition during the games.

He urged participating journalists to prepare adequately and uphold sportsmanship throughout the competition.

“Let us compete fairly, respect one another and, above all, enjoy the spirit of camaraderie that the Games represent,” he said.

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Football draws

The football draws produced two groups each for the men’s and women’s competitions.

Male

Group A

– Lagos Information
– Voice of Nigeria (VON)
– Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN)
– The Nation

Group B

– Vanguard
– Federal Ministry of Information and Culture (FMMC)
– Lagos Television (LTV)
– The Guardian

Female

Group A

– Lagos Television (LTV)
– Traffic Radio
– FMMC
– Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN)

Group B

– Lagos Information
– Vanguard
– The Guardian
– Voice of Nigeria (VON)

The organisers said the various events would form part of the week-long activities planned for the 2026 NUJ Lagos State Council Press Week.