Rafa Corporation, the producer of Rafa Detergents, has entered a three-year shirt sponsorship partnership with Kano Pillars and is also holding preliminary discussions over the creation of a football academy with the Nigerian club.
Rafa logo unveiled on new Kano Pillars kits
The agreement was formally launched in Kano under the theme, “Together for a Stronger Tomorrow”, as the club presented three new jerseys featuring the Rafa branding.
- Rafa Corporation Chairman Alhaji Kabiru Rabiu signed the deal on behalf of the company.
- Rabiu also serves as Group Executive Director of BUA Group.
- Kano Pillars Board Chairman Alhaji Ahmed Musbahu Garo represented the club at the signing.
“We are very excited to form this partnership with Kano Pillars,” Rabiu said.
Partnership aimed at supporting club growth
Rabiu said Kano Pillars were an appealing partner because of the club’s extensive fan base, its importance to Kano’s identity and its long-standing contribution to football in Nigeria.
He added that Rafa’s involvement would extend beyond shirt exposure, with the company intending to contribute to the club’s broader progress and help increase its profile.
Rabiu recalled that BUA Group supported Kano Pillars in 2013, describing the latest sponsorship as a continuation of that earlier relationship. He also praised Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for backing the club as well as youth development and human-capital initiatives.
Garo welcomes move towards financial independence
Garo described the Rafa agreement as among the biggest successes of his time as chairman of the Kano Pillars board.
“We are very happy with this partnership as the State Government encourages Kano Pillars to be financially self-sufficient,” he said.
He believes greater investment from private companies will lessen the club’s reliance on state funding while also helping plans to establish an academy.
Academy proposal and Kano Pillars history
Rabiu said the proposed Rafa Football Academy would be designed to spot and develop young talent for Kano Pillars, Nigeria’s national teams and possible professional opportunities overseas. However, he emphasised that negotiations over the project are still at an early stage.
Kano Pillars, established in 1990, rank among Nigeria’s most decorated clubs.
- They have lifted the league championship four times: 2008, 2012, 2013 and 2014.
- The club won three successive league crowns from 2012 to 2014.
- Pillars claimed the Federation Cup in 2019.
- They reached the CAF Champions League semi-finals in 2009.
