THE Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, Nasarawa state, Professor Shettima Abdulkadir Saidu, has disclosed that the just-ended 2017 edition of the Nigeria Polytechnic Games ( NIPOGA) has improved the facilities and structures of the institution.
Shettima stated this while speaking during the closing ceremonies of the 19th edition of the games held at the institution.
According to him, “a lot of lasting gains were made during the sports fiesta that would impact positively on the lives of students of the host institution, contingents and the sports community as a whole”.
Shettima explained that some of the successes of the games include the indigenous construction of the cauldron, mascot, the pavilion named after the state governor, Umaru Al-Makura and the commissioning of the 1500 capacity President Muhammadu Buhari Multi Purpose hall.
“Other breakthroughs include the active participation of many institutions across the country, the commissioning of the FPN FM 88.5 Radio station which broadcasted the entire NIPOGA activities and the indigenisation of the NIPOGA attire used during such occasions,” he sai.
Shettima applauded all participants for their good conduct, discipline, spirit of sportsmanship and maturity throughout the Games. He also thanked the state government and other stakeholders for their support in making the event a success as he called on sports stakeholders and spirited individuals to offer more support to the NIPOGA initiative so that it can achieve its lofty goals of developing sports.
In his speech, Governor Al-Makura also expressed appreciation to the NIPOGA Council for choosing the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa to host the competition and also thanked contingents that participated in the competition for making the event colourful and memorable.
He then revealed that his administration will soon revive tertiary institutions competition in the state to promote unity, discipline and affection, as well as develop young talents in sporting activities and sustain the gains of the games.
“There is no doubt that sports play an important role towards integration and national development. It is for this reason that the Government of Nasarawa State has given sports and sporting activities the desired priority and attention.
“Efforts are also been made to revive the annual schools sport and tertiary institutions competitions aimed at promoting unity, discipline, love and affection, as well as the development of young talents in sporting activities.”
He added that creating a vibrant sports society and offering skills acquisition programmes would also offer youths diverse opportunities to be gainfully employed and positively engaged thereby reducing youth restiveness.
Also speaking, Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu represented by Mr Hussein Adamu, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry praised Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa for conducting a peaceful and successful edition of the NIPOGA games devoid of rancour.
He then called for a more concerted effort from relevant stakeholders to sustain the fiesta and use it as an avenue to nurture future sports stars that would make the nation proud.
It will be recalled that Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) emerged overall winners with 16 gold, 10 silver and 15 bronze medals, while Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti came second with 15 gold, 10 silver and 12 bronze medals, followed by Yaba College of Education with 10 gold, 13 silver and 14 bronze medals.
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