The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has flagged off the 2026 National Engineering Games in Abuja, describing the annual sporting event as a platform for promoting healthy living, and unity among engineers across the country.
In his opening remarks, the NSE President, Ali Rabiu, said the engineering games, introduced in 2011, were designed to allow engineers to unwind from the demands of their profession while encouraging physical fitness and wellness.
Rabiu, who was represented by the organisation’s Deputy President, Valerie Agberagba, said it was a well-deserved opportunity to take a break from their demanding schedules and engage in physical activity
“When we launched this programme in 2011, it was with a dual intent: first, to give our engineers who work tirelessly across all sectors of the economy a well-deserved opportunity to take a break from their demanding schedules, engage in physical activity, and promote overall fitness and wellness,” he said.
He added that the games had also become an important platform for social interaction and professional networking among engineers, government officials, private sector operators and members of the diplomatic community.
“The games serve as a strategic platform for social interaction and professional networking, bringing engineers together with government officials, key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors and members of the diplomatic community,” he stressed.
Rabiu noted that the initiative had grown steadily over the years into a celebration of sportsmanship and healthy living, reflecting the unity, discipline and strength of the engineering profession.
Highlighting this year’s edition, he said the annual marathon introduced in 2025 in honour of former NSE President, Habu Gumel, has been retained in recognition of his contributions to sports administration and engineering.
Rabiu commended participants for embracing the event and applauded the National Engineering Games Committee for successfully organising the competition.
Earlier, Chairman of the 2026 National Engineering Games Committee, Giandomenico Massari, described the event as more than a sporting competition, saying it represents a celebration of unity, teamwork and wellness within the engineering profession.
“Today marks not just the commencement of a sporting event, but the celebration of unity, wellness, teamwork and the human spirit within the engineering profession,” Massari said.
Massari said sports remain a universal language capable of breaking social, cultural and physical barriers while promoting inclusion, diversity and equal opportunities.
According to him, this year’s edition features the NSE Habu Gumel Olympic Marathon and Awareness Walk alongside several indoor sporting events aimed at promoting work-life balance among engineering professionals.
The games are expected to feature engineers from across the country competing in various sporting activities over the course of the event. The tournament will be held in three stages across Abuja and Maiduguri.
The tournament will conclude with the closing ceremony on November 29, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, Maiduguri, Borno State, where winners will receive awards and prizes alongside cultural performances.
The NSE emphasised that participation in the tournament is open only to registered corporate, graduate and student members of the Society.
Emmanuel Addeh
Follow us on:
