Ododo All-Campus Games Kick Off Amid Fanfare as Kogi Poly Stun FUL 1–0

By James Sani

LOKOJA — The maiden Governor Ododo All-Campus Games kicked off in Lokoja on Monday amid fanfare and excitement, as Kogi State Polytechnic edged out Federal University Lokoja 1–0 in the opening football fixture.

The opening ceremony, held at the Sports Complex of the Federal University Lokoja, Adankolo Campus, attracted top government officials, representatives of participating institutions and students for the sporting competition involving 13 tertiary institutions across Kogi State.

Representing Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Mrs Folashade Arike Ayoade, described sports as more than recreation, noting that the sector offers opportunities for economic empowerment, talent discovery and poverty reduction.

She conveyed the governor’s message urging students from the participating institutions to use the competition to promote unity, exchange ideas and build lasting relationships capable of contributing to the development of Kogi State.

Governor Ododo also commended the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Honourable Aridaojo Monday Anyebe (HAMA), for his efforts towards advancing sports development in the state, urging him to sustain the momentum.

In his welcome address, Anyebe said the games were designed to bring students together, encourage healthy competition and strengthen collaboration among tertiary institutions.

He added that the competition would provide a platform for identifying emerging sporting talents and promoting youth development through sports.

The ceremony was attended by 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, among other government officials.

Kogi Polytechnic Secure Opening-Day Victory

In the opening football encounter, Kogi State Polytechnic defeated their hosts, Federal University Lokoja, by a lone goal in a tense and entertaining contest.

Kogi State Polytechnic goalkeeper Michael Idowu was instrumental to the victory, producing several crucial saves to preserve his side’s narrow advantage and secure all three points.

Federal University Lokoja, meanwhile, will seek to bounce back when they face the Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute in their next match.

Sporting activities across the other zones are scheduled to continue on Tuesday, October 27, with participating institutions competing in various events.

The grand finale of the maiden Governor Ododo All-Campus Games is scheduled for November 7, 2026.

The competition is expected to promote friendship and healthy rivalry among students, discover emerging sporting talents and strengthen the contribution of sports to youth development across Kogi State.

James Sani
Information Officer
Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Kogi State, Lokoja