Gov Ododo Inaugurates Maiden All Campus Games, Says Sports Promote Unity Among Youths

By Muslimat Itopa

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has described sports as a unifying force that brings people of different ages, backgrounds and ethnic groups together to foster 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.

The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Folashade Ayoade, said the initiative was designed to promote unity among young people and strengthen relationships among students of tertiary institutions in the state.

He said, “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.”

Govetnor Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth development, noting that young people remained central to the government’s vision for growth, innovation and sustainable development.

He urged participants to embrace discipline, safety and sportsmanship throughout the competition and to avoid unnecessary physical confrontation.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Monday Aridaojo Anyebe, described the games as a significant step towards strengthening inter-school relationships, promoting sports development and discovering emerging talents.

Anyebe said 13 tertiary institutions were 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; and Federal College of Education, Okene.

Others are College of Nursing Sciences, Obangede; Federal University, Lokoja; Federal Polytechnic, Idah; Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara; College of Agriculture, Kabba; and College of Health Sciences, Idah.

According to him, the competition will feature football, basketball and volleyball events for both male and female teams.

He urged the athletes to approach the competition with determination, discipline and respect, noting that the values they demonstrated were as important as the medals.

The Commissioner also commended the governor for his support and commitment to youth and sports development in the state.

In her remarks, the Head of Service, Mrs Falilat Musa, described the games as an investment in youth development, unity and empowerment, expressing hope that the programme would become an annual event.

The Head of Service advised the participating students to maintain cordial relationships irrespective of the outcome of their matches.

The opening ceremony featured a football match between Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, and Federal University, Lokoja, which ended 1-0 in favour of Kogi Poly.