Hundreds of athletes and officials from 13 higher institutions in Kogi States are competing for honours in three sports as the maiden Governor Ododo All Campus Games officially got underway on Monday.
A statement issued by the Information Officer, kogi State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, James Sani, disclosed that the multi-sport competition features football, basketball and volleyball, with athletes competing across the various events over the next few days.
Organized by the Hon. Aridaojo Anyebe led Kogi State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, the games were specifically introduced to bridge a critical developmental gaps in the sports sector, provide a ladder for young athletes to pursue their dreams and showcase their talents while at the same time pursuing their studies.
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Inter-tertiary event brings together student-athletes from 13 institutions across the state and was officially flagged off at the Federal University Lokoja Sports Complex with the grand finale scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026.
The Commissioner, Anyebe, had earlier during a press briefing on preparations for the competition, described the event as a platform for promoting sports, discovering talents and fostering unity among students across the state.
Meanwhile, Kogi State Governor , Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, while flagging off the games, highlighted the importance of sports beyond recreation, describing it as a viable avenue for economic empowerment, talent development and poverty reduction in the modern era.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the State, Dr Mrs Folashade Arike Ayo, the Governor called on students from the 13 participating tertiary institutions to maximise the opportunities provided by the maiden edition of the games to foster unity, exchange ideas and build lasting relationships that could contribute to the development of Kogi State.
Governor Ododo also commended the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Honourable Aridaojo, on Monday, Anyebe (HAMA), for his efforts towards advancing sports development in the state.
He encouraged the Commissioner to sustain the momentum and continue working towards the growth of the sector.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner, Hon Anyebe, emphasised the role of sports in bringing students together, promoting healthy competition and creating an enabling environment for synergy and collaboration among tertiary institutions across the state.
The opening ceremony attracted several dignitaries, including the Head of Service, Hajiya Falilat Yusuf Musa, Esq.; the Commissioner for Water Resources, Engineer Yahaya Faruk; the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Planning; the Special Adviser on Women and Youth, Honourable Charity Ijese; the Special Adviser on Electronic Media; and Permanent Secretaries from the Office of the Head of Service and the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, alongside other top government officials and appointees.
The opening day also produced an exciting football encounter as Kogi State Polytechnic defeated Federal University Lokoja by a lone goal in a tense and entertaining contest.
Kogi State Polytechnic goalkeeper Michael Idowu delivered an impressive performance, making several crucial saves to hand his side a deserved 3points while Federal University Lokoja will be searching for their first maximum points when they face the Nigeria Korea Friendship Institute in their next match.
However, Kogi State Polytechnic held on to its narrow advantage to secure victory and begin its campaign on a positive note.
Activities across the other zones have continued as participating institutions compete in various sporting events.
The grand finale of the maiden Governor Ododo All-Campus Games is scheduled for November 7, 2026.
The competition is expected to provide a platform for discovering emerging sporting talents, promoting friendship among students, and strengthening the role of sports in youth development across Kogi State.
