1,500 Athletes for 19th Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Games

No fewer than 1,500 athletes representing 13 companies in the Nigerian oil and gas sector will take part in the 19th edition of the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Games beginning in Abuja on Sunday, April 21st.

The Games which will be holding in the Federal Capital City only for the second time since inception, have been described as special and expected to be the most competitive ever. The event ends Sunday, April 27.

Speaking at a crowded pre-event press conference held at the Reiz Continental Hotel, Central Business District, Abuja yesterday, Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Dr Ifenyinwa Mojo-eyes said the companies taking part in the week-long fiesta include NNPC, Shell, Chevron, Total Energies, PTI, SEPLAT, NCDMB, NLNG, OANDO and NMDPRA. Others include; ExxonMobil NUPRC and ARADEL. “We have at least 1500 athletes to compete in different events,”

According to Dr Mojo-eyes, the 2024 edition will feature 13 sports, including athletics, golf, football, basketball, 8-ball pool, swimming, table tennis, tennis and chess. Others include volleyball, squash and badminton.

She called on Abuja residents to turn out en masse and have fun with their families as she assured that there will be tight security to ensure the safety of both athletes and spectators.

With the theme “Empower Wellness, Ignite Productivity, Dr Mojo-eyes emphasised the essence of the games. Said she, apart from providing a platform for connectivity among industry players, the games engenders “a healthy workforce, which makes a healthy and more productive nation. Above all, it reduces medical bills and enhances productivity.”

Chief Host and Group Managing Director of the NNPC Limited, Mele Kolo Kyari will declare the Games open at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Sunday, April 21.

The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, his FCT counterpart, Nyesom Wike and top officials from the Petroleum Ministry, among other dignitaries will grace the occasion.

The highlights of the final day’s event include the final of men and women’s 100 metres dash, the 4×100 relay race and the final match of the football event between NCDMB and NLNG.