The Olowo of Owo Kingdom, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye has called for more national sporting activities, games and programmes that will bring people from different cultural backgrounds together, saying such would further promote unity of the nation.
The Olowo made the call at the biennial 21st edition of the Nigeria Polytechnic games (NIPOGA) hosted at the Sports complex of the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo in Ondo State.
Oba Ogunoye described as another key avenue to use sports to foster unity, peace and discover talents among Nigerian youths.
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.
The ancient city of Owo in Ondo State hosted 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.
The President, NIPOGA and Rector, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Mr Adebola Gani 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.
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.
A total of forty polytechnics , both Government and private including the Federal Polytechnic Auchi, Plateau state Polytechnic Barkin Ladi Jos, Nuhu Bamili Polytechnic Zaria were currently participating in nine different sports which included Basketball,Squash, football, Badminton, Volleyball among others
The 21st NIPOGA ends on Saturday January 21st.
