Offa poly to host NIPOGA in April
The Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, is set to host the 22nd edition of the Nigeria Polytechnic Games (NIPOGA), tagged “IJAKADI 2025”.
Speaking with newsmen at the institution’s campus, Offa, on Monday, Engr Kamoru Kadiri, the Rector of the polytechnic, said that the NIPOGA would hold from April 2nd to April 12th, 2025.
The Rector, who said that this is the first time the institution is hosting the NIPOGA sporting events in its 33 years of establishment, added that the events would take place on both campuses of the institution.
Kadiri also said that the polytechnic would play host to student-athletes from about 50 polytechnics across the nation, adding that they would compete for medals in such sports events as badminton, basketball, chess, tennis, athletics, football, handball, judo, scrabble, taekwondo and volleyball.
He said that upgraded sporting facilities and equipment are ready for the sporting competition, as well as ultra modern multi purpose sports complex, adding that his vision for the games is to make them different in terms of participation, officiating, sportsmanship, friendship, inclusiveness and social cohesion.
“Our hostel accommodations/lodgings have undergone massive renovations and reconstruction to ensure the comfort of student-athletes and their officials. Medical facilities have also been put in place for the games as I have directed the Medical Director to grant the LOC permission to use any of its medical facilities as well as provide ambulance services and whatever gaps are found in the course of the games will be properly taken care of by the Medical Sub-Committee set up by the LOC for the NIPOGA games.
“For us as a host institution, the tournament is not just about winning medals, it is about fostering connections, breaking barriers and celebrating diversity.”
The Rector also said that the mandate given to host the NIPOGA was to take sports to the grassroots saying, “It must be noted that 30% of the medals at the last Olympics were won by the youths and undergraduates.
“To this end, this tournament will provide an opportunity for talent identification and serve as a veritable springboard for students’ participation in international sporting events. This is why we have to make sure that the standard of the games is top-notch.”
The Rector, who called for more sponsorship for the success of the games, said that the benefits inherent in engaging in sporting events include physical health, mental health, socioeconomic development of the ancient Offa town and networking opportunities among organizers and participants. He also assured that security around the national event would be watertight and uncompromising.
