By Chukwuma Ngaha
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) recently achieved significant success at two major sporting events in December 2024, further cementing its commitment to employee welfare and organizational excellence. At the just-concluded Federal Public Service Games (FEPSGA) in Port Harcourt, and the 16th Research Institutes Games (RIGAN) in Ibadan, the RMRDC Sports Club contingent delivered an outstanding performance, securing over 25 medals across various sports disciplines.
Join Us for the
Africa Raw Materials Summit 2025
With a strong start at the Federal Public Service Games, which took place in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, RMRDC athletes earned a total of 9 medals. The haul included: Four Gold Medals in Tennis (Female Singles), Tennis (Female Doubles), Chess (Male Singles), and Scrabble (Female Doubles); two Silver Medals in Squash (Female Doubles) and Ayo (Mixed Doubles); and three Bronze Medals in Scrabble (Female Singles), Squash (Female Singles), and Male Basketball Team.
This performance set the stage for RMRDC’s continued success at the RIGAN Games, where the council’s athletes proved their mettle once again by dominating the medals table with sixteen medals which included winning six Gold Medals in Male Chess, Tennis (Female Singles), Tennis (Female Doubles), Female Scrabble, Female Volleyball, and Badminton (Female Doubles), 4 Silver Medals in Scrabble (Female Singles), Female Chess, Badminton (Female Singles), and Male Draught, and ten Bronze Medals in Female Volleyball, Badminton (Male Doubles), Badminton (Mixed Doubles), Female Chess, Male Chess, and Tennis (Mixed Doubles).
This impressive collection of medals underscores RMRDC’s growing dominance in the sporting arena, rising from a near abysmal ranking position of 30th, in the past, now to a promising 8th position at the FEPSGA performance ranking, and 4th in the RIGAN Games, demonstrating the commitment and discipline of its athletes.
Following the successes at both competitions, a special reception was held last week by the RMRDC Sports Club to formally present the medals to the Director-General of RMRDC, Professor Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso. The event, which was organized by the Sports Club executives, was led by its Chairman, Engr. Amina Abdulmalik.
Commending the Club members, Professor Ike-Muonso expressed his deep admiration for the hard work and resilience of the athletes, especially considering the challenges faced by the council. He praised the Leadership of the sports club for its meticulous planning and preparation, even as he harped on the importance of also involving staff from states coordinating offices nationwide in future games. According to the Director-General, their local expertise would be crucial in further enhancing RMRDC’s performance in future competitions.
Join Us for the
Africa Raw Materials Summit 2025
“The dedication shown by our athletes is truly inspiring,” Professor Ike-Muonso said. “This success is a clear reflection of the commitment and teamwork within our organization. We will continue to support the growth of the sports club and ensure our staff have the resources they need to excel.”
Looking Ahead: Greater Heights
Looking ahead whilst reflecting on RMRDC’s impressive showing at both the FEPSGA and RIGAN Games, The DG noted that this feat was not just a victory in sports but a testament to the council’s holistic approach to staff development and well-being. He also intoned that the recruitment of a professional coach and the commitment to early preparations were key factors in the team’s success, and that RMRDC is already making plans to build on this momentum.
The DG also stated that his administration is focused on achieving even greater results in future tournaments and that nothing but the top spots in future tournaments was desirable, whilst emphasizing the importance of fostering a culture of excellence and well-being among RMRDC staff, with sports serving as a critical component of this mission.
As a token of appreciation for the Director-General’s unwavering support, the RMRDC Sports Club contingent presented Professor Ike-Muonso with a gold medal and other sporting items at the reception.
You Might AlsoLike
With its continued focus on early preparation, team development, and fostering healthy competition, the RMRDC Sports Club is well-positioned to achieve even greater success in future sporting events, promising a bright future for its athletes and staff alike.
