Leading energy and infrastructure conglomerate, Sahara Group, has hosted the 5th edition of the Saharalympics Games featuring an awe-inspiring display of talent, teamwork and camaraderie among employees of the organisation from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
The Saharalympics is a biennial sporting event which made its debut in 2014 with the 2023 and 5th edition held on July 22, 2023, at the prestigious University of Lagos Sports Complex, Akoka, Lagos.
Declaring the games open, the managing director of Sahara Power Group, Anthony Youdeowei, said the competition has become the symbol of Sahara’s commitment to fun in efficiency. “The Saharalympics has become the symbol of Sahara’s commitment to fun in efficiency, a uniting platform that celebrates Sahara’s competitiveness, resilience and team spirit,” Youdeowei said.Five teams, Sahara Group Consolidated (comprising Group operations, trading entities, First Independent Power Limited, and teams from within and outside Africa), Asharami Energy (a Sahara Group Upstream Company), Ikeja Electric, Asharami Synergy (a Sahara Group Downstream Company), and Egbin Power competed for laurels in several events including chess, scrabble, athletics, football, volleyball, basketball, table tennis, big foot race, frisbee relay, and ping-pong race at the Saharalympics.
Egbin Power soared to victory, retaining their title as the winners of the last Saharalympics, while Ikeja Electric and Asharami Synergy finished first and second runner-up respectively.
Thrilled with their achievement, Mokhtar Bonour, Chief Executive Officer at Egbin Power, said, “Our unwavering dedication to excellence fuels our progress. As a proud member of the Sahara Group family, Egbin is pleased to come tops again, but above all, we are all winners as we play and win together at Sahara.”
The event witnessed the “signing” of legendary football star, Daniel Amokachi (The Bull), who was the special guest of honour.
Wale Ajibade, executive directors at Sahara Group, said the Saharalympics was also a platform that gives the company opportunity to honour individuals and teams who have excelled in various sporting activities. “It is great to see Dan the Bull still looking fit after all these years, we thank you for all the awesome moments of joy you brought to Nigeria through your extraordinary skills which helped you play the round leather game at the highest level. Sahara remains dedicated to recognising and celebrating excellence in sports through the Saharalymics,” he added.
The iconic former Nigeria’s Super Eagles star joins other sporting greats who had previously been part of the Saharalympics. These include Nigeria’s first Olympic Gold Medalist, Chioma Ajunwa, former Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo, Victor ‘Prince of Monaco’ Ikpeba, legendary Olympian, Falilat Ogunkoya-Osheku, and legendary Nigerian goalkeeper, Peter Rufai.
Responding, Amokachi said: “I am truly honoured to have been called upon to participate in this landmark event. Sahara Group’s reputation stands out in the energy sector, and I am truly thrilled to witness the spirit of teamwork and unity that makes Sahara unique.”
