Sports Meets Engineering: NSE Celebrates Habu Gumel with Marathon Walk

Sports Meets Engineering: NSE Celebrates Habu Gumel with Marathon Walk

By Niyi Busari 

Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, on Saturday officially flagged off the maiden edition of the Engr. Habu Gumel Olympic Marathon Walk in Abuja, hailing the initiative as a significant stride toward promoting wellness, national unity, and mass participation in sports, BSN Sports.com.ng reports.

Organized by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the event was held in honour of Engr. Habu Gumel — a former president of the NSE and the current President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) — in recognition of his exceptional contributions to both engineering and sports development in Nigeria.

In his remarks at the flag-off ceremony, Dikko praised the NSE for its innovative fusion of professional excellence and physical well-being.

“This marathon walk is not only a worthy tribute to Engr. Habu Gumel, but also a commendable platform to encourage a culture of fitness among Nigerians, especially within the engineering profession,” he said. “It perfectly aligns with the Commission’s goal of driving grassroots sports and wellness nationwide.”

Dikko further pledged the continued support of the National Sports Commission, assuring that the NSC would remain a key partner in future editions. “We will definitely be part of this again next year,” he added.

He also lauded the NSE for choosing to honour Engr. Gumel through a lasting legacy project that bridges the gap between sports and the engineering profession.

Speaking at the event, NSE President Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala described Engr. Gumel as an iconic figure in Nigerian sports administration and an enduring ambassador of the engineering profession.

“Engr. Habu Gumel is synonymous with sports in Nigeria,” she said. “This year, we introduced the Olympic Marathon Walk in his name as a symbol of a new chapter in our partnership with the Nigeria Olympic Committee, a collaboration we are proud to deepen.”

Oguntala recalled that the NSE began hosting engineering games in 2011, with each edition growing in scope. She noted that Gumel, who served as NSE President in 2001, has continued to champion both professional and sporting causes at the highest levels.

An emotional Engr. Gumel expressed profound gratitude for the honour.

“This is more than just a walk. It represents a larger vision—an effort to integrate wellness into the professional lives of our engineers,” he said. “Having the support of the National Sports Commission, including its Chairman, and my dear friend and former NSC Chairman, here today means the world to me.”

He thanked the NSC for the logistical support and facilities provided for the event, pledging his continued commitment to advancing the initiative.

“Today is not about long speeches, but deep appreciation,” Gumel said in closing. “To the NSE President and the entire Council, I am sincerely grateful. I promise to keep supporting this vision in every way I can.”