BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Abuja
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Dr. Shehu Dikko, has pledged technical support for the forthcoming Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) Games, in line with the Commission’s mandate and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Dikko gave the assurance while speaking on preparations for the maiden edition of the games, stressing the Commission’s commitment to ensuring the successful hosting of the event.
“We are ready to give full support and provide technical assistance to make sure that the NESI Games hold successfully,” he said.
He also urged members of the NESI Games Steering Committee to prioritise sports development within their areas of operation, noting that such initiatives could drive community engagement and grassroots participation.
“You need to also encourage your members to add value to their area of operation,” Dikko added.
Earlier, the Chairman of the NESI Week Steering Committee, Dr. Anthony Obiora, described the initiative as the first nationally structured sporting event within the Nigerian electricity supply industry.
According to him, the games are designed not only to enhance workforce wellness but also to foster collaboration across the sector, promote leadership development and contribute to the growth of the nation’s sports economy.
“The NESI Games is designed to promote workforce wellness, foster collaborations among sectors, leadership development, and most importantly, boost our sports economy,” Obiora said.
He noted that the competition would feature nine sporting events, including football, athletics, volleyball and e-sports, with participants drawn from across the NESI ecosystem.
Obiora further explained that the tournament would be held in phases, beginning with regional qualifiers, followed by quarter-finals and culminating in the national finals slated for November 15 to 20, 2026, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
He expressed optimism that the games would achieve its objectives with the backing of key stakeholders, particularly the NSC.
“We want to align whatever we are doing with the National Sports Commission. This is the backing we need, and we are confident that despite this being the first edition, our experience in sports development and organisation will ensure its success,” he said.
The NESI Games is expected to bring together key players in the electricity supply industry while serving as a platform to discover talents, strengthen unity and promote community development through sports.
