This year's ValueJet/SWAN Security Cup, organized by the Ogun State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), will feature no fewer than seven security agencies. The annual football competition, aimed at fostering unity among security personnel in Ogun State since 2021, is set to kick off on August 1, 2024.

The defending champions, Police Machine, will compete in Group A against the Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun State Fire Service, and the Federal Road Safety Corps, who are debuting in the tournament. Group B will see Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), last year's finalists, NSCDC, and the debuting Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) face off in the preliminary rounds.

During the draw ceremony held on Friday at the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun State SWAN Chairman Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji highlighted the competition's role in promoting unity and camaraderie among the security agencies. He expressed gratitude to ValueJet Airline for its continued support as the title sponsor and urged other corporate entities and philanthropists to follow suit to enhance the tournament's growth.

Uchechi Achomadu, Head of Marketing at ValueJet Nigeria, emphasized the airline's pride in sponsoring the competition. She announced a cash prize of one million naira for the winning team and mentioned that branded jerseys will be provided for the four semifinalists, underscoring ValueJet's commitment to the event's success.

Mr. Lanre Ogunyinka, Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Sports Development, assured SWAN of the Ogun State government's commitment to sports development. He announced that top coaches from the State Sports Council would participate in the competition to identify and nurture talent for state representation in major events. Ogunyinka also mentioned the upcoming National Sports Festival in Ogun State, promising to enhance facilities and organize a remarkable event. He called for continued support from SWAN for comprehensive media coverage of this significant sporting event scheduled for January 2025.

Mr. Niyi Soleye, General Manager of Gateway United Football, praised SWAN's leadership for maintaining the competition's success over the past three editions.