By Ayodele Oni
Polytechnics in the country converge on the ancient town of Owo, Ondo state for the biennial edition of the Nigeria Polytechnic games (NIPOGA).
The event, which is 21st edition, is featuring a total of 40 polytechnics, both Government and private, including the Federal Polytechnic Auchi, Plateau state Polytechnic Barkin Ladi Jos, Nuhu Bamili Polytechnic Zaria.
They are expected to feature in nine different sports, which include Basketball, Squash, football, Badminton, Volleyball among others.
At the opening ceremony, Guests described the event as another key avenue to use sports to foster unity, peace and discover talents among Nigerian youths.
The ancient town of Owo is hosting students, officials and other stakeholders from other parts of the country for the 21st NIPOGA , an event which many agreed was necessary to foster unity among Nigerian youths.
President, NIPOGA and the Rector, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Owo, Mr Adebola Ogundahunsi said the target of this year’s edition was not just hosting, participating or winning, but creating opportunity for young Nigerians to come together, interact and also exhibit their skills and talents.
Also speaking, the Olowo of Owo Oba Ajibade Ogunoye called for more games and programmes that would bring people from different cultures together saying such would further promote unity of the nation.
Oba Ogunoye called on relevant stakeholders not to ignore sports as a vital tool that could transform youths elevating them from the grassroots to stardom.
Earlier, Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwaroimi Akeredolu represented by the commissioner for youths and sports development, Mr Bamidele Ologun said the state would not stop investing massively in youths.
The 21st NIPOGA ends on Saturday, January 21st.
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