By Onwe Wisdom|Pan Afric Reporters
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, has called on staff across the Agency’s institutes and centres to embrace unity, sportsmanship, and innovation as they participate in the 2025 NASENI Annual Games.
Declaring the 2nd edition of the NASENI Games open on Monday, October 20, 2025, at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, Mr. Halilu emphasized that the event represents more than just athletic rivalry, describing it as a reflection of the NASENI spirit of excellence, innovation, and family.
“This gathering is not only about sports but about pushing harder, faster, and working together as one NASENI family. We are all members of one movement, building a stronger and more innovative NASENI,” Halilu stated.
He urged all participating teams to compete with passion and integrity, stressing that the essence of the Games lies not merely in winning medals but in demonstrating teamwork, discipline, and unity.
“Sporting progress only happens when we give our best. The Games remind us that success at NASENI is driven by the same values that make great athletes — teamwork, discipline, and unity,” he added.
Mr. Halilu further encouraged participants and supporters alike to make the competition exciting and memorable, saying,
“To every participant, give your all; to the supporters, make some noise. Let’s show that NASENI knows how to play hard and work hard.”
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Chairman of the NASENI Sports Committee, Engr. Bernard Ozigi, applauded the EVC’s unwavering commitment to staff welfare and well-being. He noted that the annual sports festival has become a vital platform for promoting camaraderie and healthy competition across the NASENI system.
“These games promote discipline, fair play, and mutual respect — values that extend beyond the field, court, or track. Through this event, we showcase the NASENI spirit of excellence, teamwork, and innovation,” Engr. Ozigi remarked.
The opening day of the competition featured thrilling football matches in both male and female categories. Results from the men’s games showed: NASENI HQ 0–0 PEDI Ilesa; EMDI Akure 3–0 AMTDI Jalingo; SEDI Minna 3–0 NEEDI Nnewi; and SOMMEDI 4–0 NSEL. In the female category, NEDDI Nnewi defeated NASENI HQ Angels 2–0.
Special recognition awards were also presented to deserving teams and individuals, with Mr. Adabayo John of EMDI Akure receiving the Best Coordinating Subcommittee Member award; ELDI Awka clinching the Best Kitted Team award; EMDI Akure recognized as the Best Behaved Team; and the NASENI Headquarters team winning the Best Match Pass Team trophy.
The four-day sporting event features eight indoor and outdoor games, including football, volleyball, badminton, chess, scrabble, table tennis, and lawn tennis, with participation drawn from NASENI institutes, centres, and headquarters nationwide.
In line with NASENI’s corporate culture, the annual Games serve as a platform to foster unity, innovation, and staff wellness across the Agency. It reinforces the belief that a healthy and motivated workforce is key to driving creativity, productivity, and technological advancement in line with NASENI’s national development mandate.
