Rabiu Omaku
The Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa Professor Shettima Abdulkadir Saidu has said the institution is not only hosting the 19th edition of Nigeria Polytechnic Games but at high spirit to bring glory to the school and Nasarawa state as a whole.
Professor Abdulkadir averred that all machinery have been put in place to host this edition of NIPOGA game which he said would be the best ever games, he said the hosting of the game in Nasarawa state would have a greater advantage to the state.
The rector disclosed when the management of the institution alongside members of the Local Organizing Committee and marketers of the fiesta, A3 Foundation and representative of the federal ministry of Youth and Sport paid the Deputy Governor a courtesy visit at his office.
“We are not only hosting the game but to win, as the rector commended the government of Nasarawa state for granting financial support amounting to N5m for the preparation of the game come 26th April 2017.
The rector said the change in date was necessitated to enable all the participating schools prepare for a colorful outing and successful hosting of the competition, the first ever to be hosted in the state.
“The preparation has reached an appreciable stage and we are expecting over 4000 contingents from across Nigerian Polytechnics, the state governor would declare the event open during the opening ceremony on 29th April 2017 and also close it at the closing ceremony on 6th May, 2017.
Professor Saidu reiterated that financial challenges are still slowing down the provisions of some notable facilities for the game considering the time frame for the competition.
Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa commended governor Al-Makura for appointing the immediate past Bursar of the institution, Ayuba Ayenajeh as the state commissioner of finance, as the institution promised to shower their unflinching support to the incumbent administration.
The state Deputy Governor Silas Agara applauded the institution for the hosting right, he further cautioned athletes of the institution to shun any vices that may jeopardized the hosting right.
He advised athlete from the federal polytechnic Nasarawa to shun sports enhancement drugs during and after the competition, saying youth in the state and the country at large should see the fiesta as a breeding ground for a new crop of athlete.
“Majority of our player’s from the national team are either product of NIPOGA, Army, Police or other paramilitary, the state government promised to make further financial commitment to ensure the succeed of the competition.
