Fedpoly Offa to host NIPOGA

Federal Polytechnic Offa (Fedpoly Offa) has been given the hosting rights for the 22nd edition of the Nigeria Polytechnic Games (NIPOGA), tagged “IJAKADI 2024”.

Speaking with journalists on the institution’s campus, Offa, on Monday, the Rector of the polytechnic, Dr Kamoru Oluwatoyin Kadiri, said that the NIPOGA would commence between Wednesday, April 2 and Saturday, April 12, 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.

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Kadiri also said that the polytechnic would play host to student-athletes (male and female) 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, adding that the tournament is at the heart of the given assignment.

“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. If we get it right at this level, it will go a long way to secure the future of our sports. So it is time to “drop the books and lace the
boots”.

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, stressing that “these can’t be quantified.”

He also assured that security around the national event would be watertight and uncompromising, saying that the IGP, among other national figures, and the Minister of Education will declare the event open.