Sports
Ede 2011: NIPOGA Warns Against Use Of Mercenaries
The Local Organising Committee of the Nigeria Polytechnic Games (NIPOGA) has warned against the use of mercenary at the 17th edition of the games scheduled for December at the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State.
The Rector of the polytechnic, Dr Joseph Oke, made the stand of the LOC known in an interview with newsmen in Ede shortly after unveiling the Mascot for the games last week.
“We will not tolerate the use of mercenaries for the games. We will seriously clamp down on any institution that use or attempt to use mercenaries,’’ Oke said.
The rector said the LOC had adequate data to detect any mercenary, adding that such mercenaries would not only be expelled from the games but also prosecuted.
He said that for the first time, an electronically powered mascot would be used for the games.
Oke said the mascot illustrated the traditional and cultural background of Osun.
The rector also disclosed that the games for the first time, had a website: www.nipoga.org.ng.
He said that the website was meant to inform sponsors, stakeholders athletes, journalists and other interested bodies about what NIPOGA stood for.
Oke said that 3,000 athletes and 500 officials 60 polytechnics and colleges of technology
across the nation were expected to participate in the games.
He said the games would feature 14 events — athletics, handball, squash racket, tennis, badminton, hockey, table tennis, volleyball, basketball, football, judo, chess, scrabble and taekwondo.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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