Dornu Kogam, General Manager Community Affairs, Projects and Development reading an address at the event
Football seems to be valued mobilization vehicle in oil host communities in OML-58 areas in Rivers State. This is as Obi Imemba, Executive Director, JV Asset Total Energies Nigeria, says that the NNPCL/Total Energies Nigeria Joint Venture is determined to further develop talents in it’s host communities.
He said this is through quality professional football training and rigorous academic exercise in one of the best football academies in Nigeria, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, SDG 4.
Obi Imemba made this known in his address at the opening ceremony of the 22nd edition of the OML58 annual host communities football tournament which took place at the Obite Civic Center football field in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA , Rivers State.
Imemba, who was represented by Dornu Kogam, General Manager Community Affairs, Projects and Development, emphasized that the NNPCL/TEPNG Joint Venture, remains committed to promote inclusiveness and foster harmonious relationship among the youths of her host communities through sports. He talked about peace as major motive for successful operations.
The Total Energies top boss urged youths of the area to influence others to embrace peace.
Imemba also disclosed that three bright talents who distinguished themselves in the last edition were now receiving further football and academic training at one of the best academies in the country.
Also speaking, Saheed Ogunsanya, the Chairman Central Organizing Committee (COC) of the 2025 OML58 Football Competition, said TotalEnergies is not only interested in the growth of its business in the area, but also the host communities.
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He also identified youth and talent development especially in sports and the OML58 annual football competition in particular as a key component of development, since it’s aim is to export young and talented players of the host communities to Europe and other continents where he said they could maximize their potential, and attract benefits to themselves, their families, and the community.
On his part, Mbakwe Elele, who is the Chairman Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the football competition, and Director Social and Sports, Egi Youth Federation, commended the NNPCL/Total Energies Joint Venture for the maintaining the annual football event, which according to him, has become a melting pot for peace, unity, and coexistence among youths in the host communities of OML58.
Mbakwe Elele charged the participating players to take full advantage of the provisions and platform provided by TotalEnergies and partners to showcase their talents as it serves as a gateway to a successful career in football.
He however appealed to the IOC and it’s partners to ensure that the football competition does not end in the communities, but achieve the purpose for it was set up, especially export of talents from the host area.
Speaking on the performance of Total Energies in the OML58 host communities, Chima Igwe, President Egi Oil Producing Families Youth Association, represented by Comrade Felix Dimkpa, Auditor, scored TotalEnergies above 70% in the area of Corporate Social Responsibility support to the area.
He said that with the level youth engagement in the area so far, youths restiveness will go extinct.
The 2025 OML58 Annual Host Communities Football Competition which is the 22nd edition, will see 18 communities drawn from Ekpeye, Egi, Igburu, Usomini and Ikwere, showcase their football talents as they trade tackles to clinch the trophy.
