Host communities urged to maintain peace during football tournament

Host communities in Rivers State hosting the 2026 NNPC/TEPNG Joint Venture Oil Mining Lease 58 (OML-58) annual football tournament have been advised to maintain peace to attract development. Obi Imemba, Executive Director, Joint Venture Asset, TotalEnergies, emphasized this during the tournament's opening ceremony at the Obite Civic Centre in Ogba/Egbema/Andoni Local Government Area.

Imemba, represented by TotalEnergies Manager, Stakeholder Management, Henry Ehuike, also called on leaders to steer youths away from pipeline destruction, drug abuse, and other social vices. The OML-58 football tournament, initiated in 2002, has fostered inclusiveness and unity among youths in its host communities. The competition has become the largest sporting event in the OML 58 area and ONELGA.

The NNPC/TotalEnergies JV is committed to providing quality professional football training combined with academic exercises, aiming to identify and develop talents. This year, all players are below 18 years old, with five discovered and undergoing professional training. The tournament has attracted 18 teams, and the NNPC/TotalEnergies JV continues to sponsor the event, demonstrating its commitment to positive ventures for socio-economic development and empowerment.