All roads lead to Federal Polytechnic, Offa, in Kwara State, as the 22nd edition of the Nigeria Polytechnic Games (NIPOGA) kicks off in grand style on Saturday, April 5, with 53 polytechnics and over 4,000 athletes ready to compete for glory, unity, and cultural pride.
The highly anticipated eight-day sporting fiesta, scheduled to run from April 5 to April 12, promises a vibrant blend of athletics, cultural exchange, and economic activity — a true celebration of youth, talent, and diversity.
Speaking ahead of the games, Dr. Oluwakemi Ogungbamigbe, Chairperson of the Media and Publicity Committee, confirmed the arrival of contingents from across the country, including institutions from Delta, Taraba, Bauchi, Rivers, Osun, and Ekiti States, with more expected to touch down in Offa before the opening ceremony.
Athletes Set to Compete in 15 Sporting Events
From football to chess, judo to basketball, the games will feature 15 sports disciplines, including:
- Athletics
- Football
- Volleyball
- Basketball
- Table Tennis
- Tennis
- Badminton
- Chess
- Scrabble
- Handball
- Judo
- Taekwondo
According to Mallam Abubakar Abdullahi, Secretary-General of NIPOGA, the level of preparation and participation is at an all-time high, with logistics and accommodation already in full swing to welcome the thousands of athletes and officials.
Offa to the World: “Ijakadi 2024” Theme Embraces Culture and Unity
The host Rector, Dr. Kadiri Kamoru, emphasized the broader vision of the games, highlighting the theme “Ijakadi 2025”, which draws from Offa’s rich cultural wrestling tradition, symbolizing equality, justice, and unity.
“This tournament will serve as a springboard for talent identification and international sports participation. If we get it right at this level, we will be securing the future of Nigerian sports,” Kamoru said.
He added that NIPOGA 2024 will also serve as a platform for talent discovery, encouraging scouts, national selectors, and stakeholders to keep a close eye on standout performers.
As the countdown hits its final hours, anticipation is sky-high in Offa and across the nation. With fierce competition, cultural pageantry, and a unifying spirit at its core, NIPOGA 2024 is poised to deliver a landmark event in Nigeria’s polytechnic sports history.
