By isqil Najim
The Nigerian Society of Engineers has formally opened the 2026 National Engineering Games in Abuja, with delegates from the Ikeja Branch among the members who attended the ceremony.
The Ikeja Branch delegation was led by the Branch Chairman, Engr. Nimot Muili, who took members to the opening event as part of the Society’s nationwide gathering of engineers for this year’s games.
Declaring the competition open on Saturday, the NSE President, Engr. Ali Rabiu, who was represented by the Society’s Deputy President, Engr. Valerie Agberagba, said the annual event, which began in 2011, was designed to give engineers a chance to unwind from their demanding work schedules while also encouraging fitness and general wellbeing.
According to him, the programme was built on two main goals, to allow engineers who work hard across various sectors of the economy to take a break and stay physically active, and to promote healthier living through sport.
He said the Games had, over the years, grown beyond a sporting event into a platform for networking and social interaction, bringing together engineers, government officials, private sector players and members of the diplomatic community.
Rabiu also confirmed that the annual marathon introduced in 2025 in honour of former NSE President, Engr. Habu Gumel, would be retained this year, describing the late leader as a respected sports administrator whose influence extended from engineering into sports administration.
He commended the participants for their enthusiasm and thanked the National Engineering Games Committee for organising this year’s edition, wishing all competitors a fair and safe outing.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the 2026 National Engineering Games Committee, Engr. Giandomenico Massari, described the event as one that goes beyond sport to represent unity, teamwork and wellness within the engineering profession.
He noted that engineers, being responsible for designing, building and maintaining the country’s infrastructure, must equally pay attention to their own health and wellbeing.
Massari added that sport remains a unifying force capable of breaking social and cultural barriers, and said this year’s edition includes the NSE Habu Gumel Olympic Marathon and Awareness Walk along with several indoor events aimed at promoting a healthy work life balance among engineering professionals.
The Ikeja Branch was one of several branches that turned out for the opening ceremony, alongside delegates from Makurdi, Ajaokuta, Bwari and Aba branches. The ceremony also had top NSE leadership in attendance, including the President, Engr. Ali Rabiu, Deputy President, Engr. Valerie Agberagba, immediate past President, Engr. Margaret Oguntala, past Presidents Engr. Kashim Ali and Engr. Isaac Olorunfemi, as well as the COREN Vice President, Engr. Olaolu Ogunduyile.
The 2026 National Engineering Games will run in three phases across Abuja and Maiduguri. The opening phase began on Saturday with the Habu Gumel Marathon Walk and Awareness Parade at the National Engineering Centre in Abuja’s Central Business District, before moving to Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium for events such as chess, Monopoly, Ayo, Scrabble, badminton, lawn tennis, table tennis, volleyball and basketball.
The second phase, which covers golf and football, is scheduled for later in the year. Golf will hold on 31 October at the TYB International Golf Club, Yar’Adua Barracks, Abuja, while football, including regional playoffs and knockout stages, will take place on 21 November at the Turf Arena in Abuja.
The games will close on 29 November with a ceremony at the International Conference Centre in Maiduguri, Borno State, where winners will receive awards alongside cultural performances.
Participation in the competition remains open only to registered corporate, graduate and student members of the Society, and the Ikeja Branch is expected to continue its active involvement as the games progress in Abuja.