Ashiru, Alausa call for unity as NIPOGA games kick off in Offa

Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Oyelola Yisa Ashiru, and Minister of State for Education, Dr. Maruf T. Alausa, have called for unity and peace as the 2025 edition of the Nigeria Polytechnics Games Association (NIPOGA), tagged Ijakadi 2025, got underway in Offa, Kwara State.

The national sporting event is being hosted by the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, and brings together over 5,000 student-athletes and officials from polytechnics across the country to compete in 12 different sports.

Speaking to journalists at the opening ceremony, Senator Ashiru, who represents Kwara South in the National Assembly, said the games offer a platform to promote national cohesion.

“This event is a clear demonstration that, in unity, we can achieve greatness,” Ashiru said. “Despite our diversity, young Nigerians from every part of the country are here together. It’s inspiring and emotional to witness.”

He encouraged the athletes to embrace excellence not only in sports but in all aspects of life. “When you strive to be the best in sports, you set yourself on the path to succeed everywhere,” he added.

Representing Dr. Alausa at the event, Director of Polytechnic Education and Allied Institutions, Dr. Ejeh Usman, echoed similar sentiments. He emphasized the ministry’s support for integrating sports into the educational system.

“Education without sports is incomplete,” Usman said. “This event is commendable and aligns with our vision to promote unity through education and extracurricular engagement.”

Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Alhaji Moshood O. Ojikutu, also urged participants to use the opportunity to build friendships that transcend ethnic and regional boundaries.

“Let the games foster new relationships that strengthen the unity of our country,” he said.

Earlier, the institution’s Rector, Dr. Kadiri Kamoru—who also serves as President of the NIPOGA caretaker committee—described the hosting of the event as symbolic, coming just ahead of his second anniversary in office.