Organisers Postpone NIPOGA By One Week

The 16th edition of the Nigerian Polytechnic Games (NIPOGA) scheduled to have opened on Saturday has been postponed by a week following the death of former President Umaru Yar’Adua.

Mr Marcus Boman, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), told newsmen at the weekend  in  Zaria that the Games would now take off on May 15.

Boman said the decision was taken as a mark of respect for the late statesman.

The LOC chief, who is the Deputy Registrar of the host institution, Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, Zaria, described the death of Yar’Adua as shocking.

“You will recall that NIPOGA was scheduled to commence on Saturday, May 8, and on Thursday morning we received with great shock the passing-on of our dear president.

“As a sign of respect, admiration and as patriotic Nigerians, we have decided to reschedule the event. Therefore, the opening will be next week Saturday, May 15, 2010 by the grace of God,” he said.

Some of the athletes, who had already arrived in Zaria, also expressed shock over the death and prayed God to grant him eternal rest.