The 22nd Edition of the Nigeria Polytechnic Games at the Federal Polytechnic Offa will feature a special exhibition of automobiles and bicycle innovations named Okin cars, bikes, and bicycles.
The games, according to the school management, will be the first ever hosted by the Polytechnic since its creation in 1992.
NIPOGA is a biennial event that brings together students from polytechnics across the country to compete in different sports.
“This edition will be so special because we unavailing our special innovations of Okin Car, Okin Bike, Okin Bicycle, all electrical,” said the Rector of the polytechnic, Engineer Dr. Kamoru Oluwatoyin Kadiri on Monday at the main campus of the school in Offa.
The Rector added that the event will be the first of its kind where innovations, sports, tourism and networking will merge to promote national cohesion.
Tagged “IJAKADI 2024”, the event commences between Wednesday, April 2, and Saturday, April 12, 2025.
The Rector added that this is the first time the institution is hosting the NIPOGA sporting events in its 33 years of establishment and added that the events would take place on both campuses of the institution.
Dr. 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 an ultramodern multipurpose 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 Subcommittee 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”, he said
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 toward securing the future of our sports. So it is time to “drop the books and lace the boots.”. Dr. Kadiri said.
The Rector, who called for more sponsorship for success of the games, said that benefits inherent in engaging in sporting events include physical health, mental health, socioeconomic development of the ancient Offa town and networking opportunity among organizers and participants, stressing that “these can’t be quantified.”
He also assured that security around the national event would be tight and uncompromising, saying that the IGP, among other national figures, e.g., the federal minister of education, will declare the event open.
SOURCE: INDEPENDENT
