The 21st biennial Nigerian Polytechnic Games, NIPOGA, has been described as another key avenue to use sports to foster unity and peace and discover talents among Nigerian youth.
This was the introduction of eminent personalities who graced the opening ceremony of the games at the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Owo Sports Complex.
Radio Nigeria reported that the ancient city of Owo in Ondo State hosted student officials and other stakeholders from other parts of the country for the 21st NIPOGA, an event many agreed was necessary to foster unity among Nigerian youth.
NIPOGA President and Chancellor Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Owo, Mr. Adebola Ogundahunsi, said the aim of this year’s edition was not just to host, participate or win, but to create opportunities for young Nigerians to meet, interact and Show off your skills and talents.
Also speaking, the Olowo of Owo Oba Ajibade Ogunoye called for more games and programs that would unite people of different cultures, saying they would further promote the unity of the nation.
Oba Ogunoye called on relevant stakeholders not to ignore sports as a vital tool that could transform youth and lift them from grassroots to stardom.
Earlier, Ondo State Governor Mr. Oluwaroimi Akeredolu, represented by Youth and Sports Development Commissioner Mr. Bamidele Ologun, said the state would not stop investing heavily in youth.
A total of forty polytechnics, both government and private, including Auchi Federal Polytechnic, Plateau Barkin Ladi Jos State Polytechnic, Nuhu Bamili Zaria Polytechnic, currently participate in nine different sports including basketball, squash, football, badminton, volleyball, among others.
21 NIPOGA ends on Saturday, January 21.
Oriola Afolabi
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