Health
Sports Minister Says Ministry to Promote National Health and Wellness, Gives Support for Oil And Gas Industry Games
The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has emphasized that increased involvement in sports has become expedient, as it will not only enhance individual health and fitness but also contribute to reduced national expenditure on healthcare.
The Minister made the remarks as he pledged his support for the upcoming 19th edition of the Nigerian Oil And Gas Industry Games, scheduled to take place from April 21 to 27, 2024, in Abuja. He reiterated the broader societal benefits of promoting sports participation, and thanked the oil and gas industry for contributing to health and wellness through sports.
Senator Enoh commended the consistency demonstrated by the organizers in hosting the 19th edition of the Games. This remarkable milestone underscores the enduring legacy of the event and its significance within the Nigerian sports landscape. He also emphasized that by encouraging more people to embrace an active lifestyle, the nation can collectively work towards building a healthier and more resilient country.
The Games organizers explained their noble vision to empower wellness and ignite productivity within the industry. By fostering a culture of physical activity and healthy competition, they aim to promote overall well-being among participants while also enhancing productivity in the workplace.
In line with these objectives, the Ministry of Sports Development is exploring initiatives to further promote sports and fitness awareness on a national scale. One such initiative is the proposed annual National Sports and Fitness Day, which aims to elevate awareness of mental, physical, and emotional well-being across the country.
As the countdown to the 19th Edition of the Nigerian Oil And Gas Industry Games begins, the Ministry of Sports Development reaffirms its commitment to championing sports development and promoting a healthier, more active nation. Thirteen companies from the Nigerian Oil And Gas industry are taking part in the upcoming Games. Their commitment underscores the collaborative spirit and shared dedication to fostering a culture of sports excellence in the nation. The delegation was led by the chairlady of 19th edition of Oil and gas industry games by Dr Ifeyiwa Mojo-Eyes.
Health
Football Legends to Light Up Nigeria in NICRAT’s World Soccer Legends Cancer Match
By Joel Ajayi
Nigeria is set to witness a football spectacle as some of the world’s greatest football legends converge for the First World Soccer Legends War Against Cancer International Charity Football Match Nigeria 2026.
The star-studded event, backed by the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), is designed to combine football entertainment with a major campaign to raise cancer awareness, promote early detection and mobilise resources for prevention and treatment.
The initiative, themed “Play for Prevention, Score for Life,” was unveiled on Wednesday in Abuja with the official launch of the event logo, kits and a 60-day countdown to the international charity match.
The campaign is expected to feature former international football stars while bringing together cancer advocates, government institutions, corporate organisations, development partners and other stakeholders in a united effort against the disease.
Speaking on behalf of NICRAT Director-General, Prof. Usman Aliyu, Dr Margaret Sawyer said the institute was supporting the initiative because of its potential to take cancer-awareness messages to millions of Nigerians.
She said the campaign would go beyond fundraising by educating Nigerians on cancer prevention, early detection and the need to seek medical attention promptly.
According to her, football offers a unique platform for reaching diverse communities, while the influence of football legends could help deliver important health messages to a wider audience.
Earlier, National Coordinator of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), Mr Jacob Onu, said the event was conceived to transcend the boundaries of sport and evolve into a national and international movement against cancer.
Onu said the participation of former football stars would amplify messages on cancer prevention, screening, treatment, research and support for patients and survivors.
He added that the event would also celebrate life, honour those who had lost their lives to cancer and inspire survivors and people currently battling the disease.
“Together, through football, compassion and collective action, we can win the War Against Cancer,” he said.
Onu called on Nigerians across the 774 local government areas to become ambassadors of the campaign by promoting healthy lifestyles, regular medical checks and early medical intervention.
He also appealed to corporate organisations, philanthropists, international organisations, football stakeholders, media organisations and development partners to support the initiative.
The MOC coordinator commended NICRAT, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), sponsors, partners and other stakeholders for their support.
He assured that the organising committee would deliver an event capable of meeting international standards while creating a lasting legacy in cancer awareness, advocacy, humanitarian support and sports development.
In his goodwill message, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Gumel, expressed concern over the rising global cancer burden and called for sustained action beyond the charity match.
Gumel urged the organisers to extend the campaign beyond Abuja to communities across the 36 states, while calling on governments at all levels to strengthen cancer prevention, screening and treatment.
The NOC president pledged his support for the initiative and encouraged Nigerians to make regular cancer screening and periodic health checks a priority.
Also speaking, Director of Cancer Prevention and Control at NICRAT, Dr Usman Mohammed Waziri, reaffirmed the institute’s determination to ensure that the initiative produces a positive and lasting impact on Nigeria’s cancer-control efforts.
With the 60-day countdown officially underway, organisers said the World Soccer Legends Cancer Match would combine the excitement of football with humanitarian action, using the power and influence of football legends to drive a nationwide campaign against cancer.
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