By Angela Atabo
The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) on Saturday commenced the 2026 National Engineering Games (NEGG), describing it as important annual sporting event aimed at promoting physical fitness, healthy living, unity and national development.
Declaring the NEGG open in Abuja, the President of NSE, Ali Rabiu, said the games remained faithful to its founding objectives since 2011 by providing physical fitness beyond professional responsibilities.
Rabiu, who was represented by the NSE Deputy President, Velerie Agberagba, noted that beyond recreation, NEGG fostered collaboration among engineers, government officials, stakeholders in the public and private sectors, and members of the diplomatic community.
“The Games provide our engineers, who work tirelessly across all sectors of the economy, an opportunity to take a deserved break, engage in physical activities and improve their overall health.
“NEGG also serve as a platform for social interaction and professional networking. Over the years, this initiative has steadily expanded in relevance and reach.
“It has evolved into a celebration of sportsmanship and healthy living, showcasing the unity, strength and discipline that the engineering profession is renowned for.”
Rabiu said this year’s edition was significant with the inclusion of the NSE Habu Gumel Olympic Marathon, introduced in 2025 in honour of the former NSE President, Habu Gumel,who currently serves as President of the Nigerian Olympic Committee.
He praised Gumel’s exceptional contributions to sports administration, describing him as a shining example of how engineering leadership could make a global impact beyond the profession.
He also commended engineers and guests for the spirit of excellence, friendship and commitment.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the 2026 National Engineering Games Committee, Giandomenico Massari, said the NEGG was a celebration of unity, wellness, teamwork and the enduring human spirit within the engineering profession.
Massari explained that the initiative was conceived to encourage physical fitness, mental alertness and social interaction among engineers.
According to him, this is because maintaining good health is essential in a profession responsible for designing and sustaining critical infrastructure.
He said sports remained a universal language capable of breaking social, cultural and physical barriers while promoting inclusion and equal opportunities.
According to him, this year’s Games featured the NSE Habu Gumel Olympic Marathon and Awareness Walk alongside several indoor sporting competitions, reflecting the NSE’s commitment to balancing engineering excellence with healthy lifestyles.
Massari expressed appreciation to the leadership of the NSE for providing the vision and support that have sustained the initiative.
He thanked sponsors, partners and stakeholders for contributing to the successful organisation of the Games.
In his remarks, the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Roberto Mengoni, commended NSE and the Nigerian Olympic Committee for their foresight in organising the games.
Represented by the vice envoy, Iacopo Foti, Mengoni observed that engineering and sports shared common values of discipline, precision, strategic thinking and teamwork, noting that success in both fields depended on collaboration and resilience.
Addressing young engineers, Mengoni encouraged them to embrace the olympic spirit by pursuing excellence with integrity, sportsmanship and a collaborative mindset.
The Italian envoy reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening partnership with Nigeria, particularly through initiatives that invest in youth development and technical advancement.
Also speaking, President of the Nigerian Olympic Committee, Habu Gumel, described the engineering games as an important initiative capable of identifying sporting talents while promoting physical fitness among professionals.
Gumel said the games complemented the efforts of the National Sports Commission in grassroots sports development and talent discovery, pledging continued support to NEGG.
He said the 2026 NEGG was imperative as Nigeria was currently preparing for several major international competitions.
According to him, the games include the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, United States.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab