By; SUNNY CANTO, Abuja
In a week-long sporting activities that was climaxed with athletics and football matches, the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Games also, known as NOGIG thrilled spectators including dignitaries in Abuja.
Excitedly, the 19th edition has lived up to expectations despite the delay due to COVID-19 pandemic, thereby keeping the followers in anticipation before commencing this year 2024 event at MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
However, the thirteen companies that featured with one thousand, five hundred athletes competed fairly and fiercely.
Team NNPC which emerged overall winners with 50 medals; won 20 gold, nine silver, 21 bronze while NLNG amass 14 gold, 13 silver, 11 bronze placed second as third place Shell got seven gold, six silver, nine bronze.
Speaking to newsmen, (LOC chair), Dr. Ifeanyiwa Mojo-Eyes said, “I’m so overwhelmed with our excellent performance, we’ll not stop here because it’s indeed a milestone achievement that we anticipate; now a reality”
She added, “I played Golf, did a tee-off, and it was so exciting, encouraging, fitness fill, though its full of technics and discipline but everyone can play” she added.
Earlier in her Speech, she said, “Well, as a proud participant, I’m welcoming fellow contingents, partners, stakeholders to the 19th edition of NOGIG as we celebrate sportsmanship, camaraderie theme: “Empower Wellness, Ignite Productivity” , will promote athletic prowess and deepens the connections within our vibrant industry also, let’s continue the legacy, elevate it to new heights”
Coach Emeji Sunday aka Naked Wire gave his fourteen-man (Volleyball) team a gold medal against Shell opponents, while Oluwadamilola Adisa won gold in (Squash) women single, others gold in team event as Apakama Chioma outstanding skills won them several laurels in Swimming.
Interestingly, Mrs. Ifeanyiwa Mojo-Eyes previously won gold in Poll-ball games, also competed in Volleyball. Besides her official busy schedules and LOC chair responsibility, the outspoken women played badminton, golf; encouraged other female participation.
Meanwhile, they narrowly lost in the football semi-finals in Port-Harcourt, recording a bronze medal during the colourful closing ceremony.
The historical event which was epoch making, began with table tennis novelty match in the opening ceremony at the indoor Sport Hall of Package B, Stadium in Abuja as Nigeria cultural heritage was display in the Mouthwatering closing.
Amazingly, team Aradel Holdings Plc that finished below the table got the ‘March Past’ overall winner as NNPC showcased Rich Igbo heritage traditional attires, dance with so much enthusiasm and smile on their faces.
Dignitaries like former House of Representatives Speaker; Honorable Yakubu Dogara, former Plateau State Governor; Honorable Simon Lalong; Senator John Enoh, Sport Minister; Fidel Pelpole; Senator Shehu Baba, FEAD Director, Mr. Olumide Bamiduro; among other oil and gas industry sector leaders graced the remarkable event.
