By Obiabin Onukwugha
Host Communities of the OML 58 in Rivers State, have been urged to maintain peace in order to attract the needed development.
Executive Director, JV Asset, Mr. Obi Imemba, made the call during the opening ceremony of the 2026 NNPC/TEPNG JV OML 58 annual football tournament for host communities at the Obite Civic Centre, Ogba/Egbema/Andoni local government area of Rivers State.
Imemba, who was represented by TotalEnergies Manager, Stakeholders Management, Mr. Henry Ehuike, also called on leadership of host communities to influence more youths to be of good behaviour and shun pipeline vandalisation, stating that it leads to pollution, environmental hazards, drug abuse and other social vices that could lead to loss of lives and properties.
He said the competition, which began 2002, is one of the ways the NNPC-TPNG joint venture promotes inclusiveness and fosters harmonious relationships among the youths of its host communities, by bringing together the youths of various participating communities, thereby promoting peace and unity among them and the host communities in general.
The Executive Director, JV Asset highlighted that the tournament, which is in its 23rd edition, has lived up to expectations as the greatest sporting event in the OML 58 area and in the whole of ONELGA.
“In line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, SDG 4, which speaks about quality education, the NNPC/TotalEnergies joint venture is determined to further develop true quality professional football training combined with rigorous academic exercise in one of the best football academies in Nigeria for the best talents that would be identified in this competition,” Imemba said.
He emphasised that continued sponsorship of this competition in the PIA area is a demonstration of the NNPC-TPNG joint venture love for the youths of its operating communities, and a commitment to engaging the youths in positive ventures that can promote sustainable socio-economic development as well as empowerment.
Imemba pointed out that the new theme for the tournament, “Playing For Peace, And Promoting Talent And Development,” reflects the essence of the tournament.
“This is to demonstrate that NNPC/TPNG joint venture is determined to give back to the host communities and the country at large, professional footballers through this competition. Notwithstanding the change of the theme of the tournament, I implore the communities to sustain the obvious peaceful atmosphere as no community can develop without peace,” he said.
He revealed that since the 19th edition in 2022, the joint venture has progressively introduced some areas of improvement with the aim of making the communities derive the best from the competition, stressing that this year, the company is very intentional in making this competition fully age-grade competition. “Permit me to announce to you that in this 23rd edition, there is no single over-age player. All the players are 18 years old and below”, he noted.
Imemba mentioned that the services of talent hunters were contracted in the last two years to identify good potentials among the players, stating that five players were discovered and are undergoing training in the professional football in an academy. “This year, we have also contracted the services of a football marketer that will market the discovered talents to football clubs,” he said.
He assured that more beneficiaries will be sent to the academy while the company continues to explore other opportunities for improvement.
He also commended efforts of the participating youths and host communities, Central, local and technical organising committees, the River State Football Association, the River State Football Referee’s Council and media partners, for their commitment to the tournament.
“My advice to the participating team is that you should not be preoccupied with winning. Rather, focus on the theme of the event, playing for peace and promoting talent and development. Play in a friendly manner and display your talent for easy identification by the talent scouts. What matters most is the number of talents that are spotted. Remember that a good player can be identified in a bad team,” he said.
The Executive Director, JV Asset further warned against misconduct. “Last two years we recorded an unfortunate incident where two teams defaulted in the rules of the game and were suspended from the competition. This year a repeat of such incidents may lead to expulsion of the team involved from the competition.
“Therefore, make conscious efforts to avoid violence and play according to the rules of the game. It is your responsibility to educate your supporters on the implication of being violent during and after a match and fielding of ineligible players,” Imemba stated.
Speaking with journalists, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Comrade Mbakwe Elele, stated that the tournament has over the years fostered peace within the OML58 host communities and as well, identified talents.
While lauding the JV for sustaining the tournament since its inception, Elele however, emphasised the need for overseas training of identified talent in order to increase their opportunities.
“My expectation for this 23rd tournament is that at the end of the day, we have some of our young ones who will also be selected to go to the academy to join other players and other youths of the host community to continue the training,” he stated.
Meanwhile, 18 teams are participating in the tournament, with the defending champions, Obagi FC slugging it out with Ubarama FC.
