No fewer than 3040 athletes from across the country have converged on Ilorin to participate at the 20th Edition of Nigeria Polytechnics Games (NIPOGA) holding at the Kwara state capital.
The annual Polytechnic Games featuring 50 institutions across the country competing for honours in 14 sporting events.
Declaring the games open at the Kwara state polytechnic sports complex, the state Deputy Governor, Mr. Kayode Alabi, urged the participating institutions to abide by the rules of the games, adding that through sacrifices, perseverance and hard work, the games would play a significant role towards the federal government’s efforts in nation building.
Mr Alabi restated the state government pro-activeness in bringing change to the sport sector through active participation in sports.
He advised all participating institutions, athletes and officials to display high level of discipline and tolerance during and after the games as he assured of peaceful stay in the state of harmony.
The deputy governor, also stressed that the games will further foster unity and creates mental alertness among the institutions.
Earlier, Rector, Kwara State Polytechnic, Dr Abdul Mohammad implored the athletes to demonstrate the spirit of sportsmanship especially at difficult situations.
Dr Mohammed noted that the host institution has excelled in several fields of endeavour especially in the areas of sports and entrepreneur and stand out as an institution to beat in the comity of institutions.
Climax of the opening ceremony of the biannual polytechnic games was the unveiling of the mascot, lighting of the touch of unity and match past by participating institutions.
The opening ceremony also witnessed some side attractions like the polytechnic kengieth club dressed in their regalia entertaining people with their songs and wine calabash.
Members of the Kwara State Art and Culture also displayed their talents as they entertained guests and spectators with local music and dancing steps.
Other top government officials and top dignitaries that graced the opening ceremony were the speaker, Kwara state house of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Zulu Gambari, Alhaji Issa Logun (Chief of Staff) among others.
