We are set to host NIPOGA Games, says rector

The Rector, Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa (FPN) and President of the 2017 Nigeria Polytechnic Games (NIPOGA) Council, Prof. Shettima Abdulkadir Saidu, said all is set for a successful hosting of the games tagged ‘’Nasarawa 2017.’’

Prof. Saidu stated this while fielding questions from pressmen on the level of preparedness, disclosing that contingents were already arriving from all the polytechnics across the country.

Saidu said all hands have been on deck to host this year’s games, assuring that this edition will bring the polytechnic games to international standards.

‘’We have put everything needed in good condition for the contingents. Sporting facilities, medicals, accommodation, banking and particularly security provisions is top notch, including other basic amenities that would enable contingents compete comfortably.

‘’In addition to our own security the DSS, Police, Civil Defence have been contacted to ensure the safety of contingents throughout the period of the games.

‘’Our school is ready to host the games, we have put all the sporting facilities in order and all the games will be played at the school’s sports complex,’’ he assured.

Top promoters of the games; the A3 Foundation, reiterated the importance of encouraging grassroots sports in the country. Its Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ambassador Aisha Audu-Emeje, noted the removal of the dichotomy between universities and polytechnics in the country, saying this should extend to support for the polytechnic games.

Ambassador Audu-Emeje who is former Kogi State First Lady, and former board member of the polytechnic regrets that the needed attention is not channeled to the NIPOGA unlike the Nigerian Universities Games (NUGA) which has been given much attention over the years.

She appealed to both the federal and state governments, cooperate organisations and sports loving Nigerians to contribute towards bringing the games at par with NUGA, saying they are all Nigerian students.

‘’Nasarawa 2017 is going to be a fiesta and we call on all Nigerians to support so as to ensure successful hosting of the games,’’ she said.

‘’This is good avenue for talented sportsmen and women to be scouted and that is why we are not leaving any stone unturned in promoting as well as ensuring success of the games,’’ she added.

The A3 Foundation is known for supporting grassroots development of sports and peace in communities. Recently, it made both financial and material donation to the Igala Nation’s cup organised by Kogi state East Ambassadors, supported by Igala elites to mark the just concluded United Nations International day of sports.

As preparations intensifies towards, the upcoming Nigeria Polytechnic Games (NIPOGA) sports Icons Tijani Babangida, John Fashanu and others has thrown their weight behind the host polytechnic; Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa (FPN), endorsing the games and promising technical support to ensure a successful competition.