NASARAWA State governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, has called on sports agents in Nigeria and the world at large to discover new rising stars from the nation’s polytechnics that would serve as reservoir in sporting activities.
Governor Al-Makura made the call at the opening ceremony of the 19th edition of the Nigerian Polytechnic Games (NIPOGA) tagged ‘‘Nasarawa 2017’, held at the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, Nasarawa State.
He challenged participants at the games to take advantage of the competition and showcase their talents, in order to attract sponsors to themselves.
Represented by his deputy, Silas Agara, the governor tasked the contingents not to only compete to represent their individual states or institutions, but to make themselves sportsmen and women to represent the country at the international level.
The governor noted that sports festivals such as NIPOGA is organised to foster unity, peace and friendship among students, staff and institutions, urging all involved in the competition to ensure its success.
“I urge all participants to compete in a friendly and cordial atmosphere and also exhibit maturity as you represent your various institutions. Compete in healthy rivalry that demonstrates sportsmanship, and you will enjoy the competition, he said.
“I also urge you to follow the rules of the games by avoiding taking any stimulants, as this will affect the objective of the festival and also tarnish your image,” he said.
Also speaking, the rector of the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa (FPN) and president NIPOGA council, Professor Shettimma Abdulkadir Saidu, said Nasarawa 2017 is unique as it incorporates developing the Nigerian youth through sports.
He urged participants to imbibe the spirit of peaceful coexistence irrespective of their ethnic or religious differences.
“We all need each other in our daily endeavours, and no individual can live in isolation and survive. We urge you all to maintain the NIPOGA spirit of sportsmanship and endeavor to make as many friends as you can during the period,” he said.
Over 4,000 contingents from about 50 polytechnics across the country are participating in this year’s edition.