Amaechi set to declare Zaria 2015 RIGAN Games open today

TRANSPORT Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, is expected to declare open the 2015 Research Institutes Games (RIGAN Games), tagged RIGAN/NITT ZARIA 2015, today.

The competition, holding at the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, (NITT), Zaria, will feature over 27 Research and Development Institutes from across the country.

Speaking at the weekend in Zaria, the National President of RIGAN, Prof Rabiu Adamu, disclosed that this year’s Games will be unique in more ways than one, adding, “RIGAN Games this year has been planned to maximize the benefits of a Sports Festival.

“We have introduced innovations like trade fairs, business forum and veterans events in athletics. These are geared towards not only enjoying the benefits of sports but providing opportunities for the Research Institutes to leverage on their participation.”

He warned participating Research Institutes to desist from the use of mercenary, as heavy sanctions await any erring institute.

Meanwhile, the host Institute has announced that all required facilities are fully ready.

Equipment, accommodation and security for the 10-day Sports Fiesta have been provided for and ready to be deployed, they said.

About 27 Research and Development Institutes and over 1,500 sportsmen and women are expected to participate in the football, athletics, volleyball, tennis and table tennis.

Other sports to be participated in include, squash, badminton, chess and dart.

The Games will end on December 6.

The Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, is expected to be the Chief Host.