The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Idah, Dr. Y.B. Usman, has been formally invested as President of the 23rd Nigeria Polytechnics Games (NIPOGA), marking a significant step in the institution’s preparations to host the national sporting event.
The investiture ceremony was held on Tuesday, at the Federal Polytechnic Idah Multipurpose Hall. The event attracted members of the institution’s Top Management Committee (TMC), Deans of Schools, Heads of Departments (HoDs), and members of the NIPOGA Technical Committee from polytechnics across the country.
The Secretary-General of NIPOGA, Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi, performed the investiture, officially conferring on Dr. Usman the office of President of the 23rd edition of the Games.
Speaking at the ceremony, Alhaji Abdullahi congratulated the Rector and expressed confidence in the leadership and organisational capacity of the Federal Polytechnic Idah management.
He commended the institution’s level of preparedness and urged its management to maintain the momentum towards delivering a successful sporting festival.
According to him, the preparations already undertaken by the institution have been impressive, adding that NIPOGA is optimistic the 23rd edition will establish a new benchmark for future Games.
In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Usman thanked Almighty God and appreciated the NIPOGA Technical Committee for the confidence reposed in him through the investiture.
He assured stakeholders that the Federal Polytechnic Idah remains fully committed to hosting a memorable and successful competition, pledging that the forthcoming Games would rank among the best editions in NIPOGA’s history.
The Rector noted that the 23rd NIPOGA would be the first edition of the Games to be hosted in Kogi State and only the second to take place in Nigeria’s North Central geopolitical zone, describing the development as a landmark achievement for both the institution and the state.
Dr. Usman also highlighted the expected economic impact of the event, stating that the influx of athletes, officials and visitors would stimulate commercial activities and boost the local economy in Idah and surrounding communities.
He further disclosed that the official codename for the 23rd NIPOGA would be unveiled at a later date, while reaffirming the institution’s readiness to deliver a sporting festival that would leave a lasting legacy.
The investiture ceremony represents a major milestone in the countdown to the Games, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the event will promote sports development, foster unity and strengthen excellence among Nigerian polytechnics.
