Kogi Poly Edge FUL in Opener as Gov Ododo Launches Maiden All Campus Games
By Faith Adikeh
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has described sports as a powerful unifying force capable of bringing people of different ages, backgrounds and ethnic groups together to strengthen peace and collective development.
Governor Ododo stated this on Monday at the opening ceremony of the maiden edition of the Governor Ododo All Campus Games 2026, held at the football pitch of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL).
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the state (SGS), Dr. Folashade Ayoade, said the initiative was deliberately designed to promote unity among young people and strengthen relationships among students of tertiary institutions across the state.
According to her, sports erases ethnic and social differences.
“In sports, you cannot ask whether someone is Igala before passing the ball to them. You cannot ask whether the person is Okun or Ebira. The ultimate goal is to work together as a team and win the game,” she said.
Ayoade reaffirmed the governor’s administration’s commitment to youth development, stressing that young people remain central to his government’s vision for growth, innovation and sustainable development.
She urged all participating athletes to embrace discipline, safety and sportsmanship throughout the competition and avoid unnecessary physical confrontation.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Aridaojo Anyebe, described the games as a significant step towards strengthening inter-school relationships, promoting sports development and discovering emerging talents in the state.
Anyebe disclosed that 13 tertiary institutions are participating in the maiden edition.
The institutions are:
Kogi State University, Kabba
Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja
Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba
Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute, Lokoja
Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa
Kogi State College of Education (Technical), Mopa
Federal College of Education, Okene
College of Nursing Sciences, Obangede
Federal University, Lokoja
Federal Polytechnic, Idah
Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara
College of Agriculture, Kabba- College of Health Sciences, Idah
The Commissioner said the competition will feature football, basketball and volleyball events for both male and female categories.
He charged the athletes to approach the competition with determination, discipline and respect, noting that the values they display on the field are as important as the medals they win.
He also commended Governor Ododo for his unwavering support and commitment to youth and sports development in the state.
In her goodwill message, the Head of Service, Mrs Falilat Musa, described the games as an investment in youth development, unity and empowerment, expressing optimism that the programme would become an annual sporting event in the state.
She advised participating students to maintain cordial relationships irrespective of the outcome of their matches.
The highlight of the opening ceremony was the football match between Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, and Federal University, Lokoja, which ended 1-0 in favour of Kogi Poly.
