Deputy Senate Leader Oyelola Yisa Ashiru and Minister of Education Dr. Maruf T. Alausa called for unity and peace during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Nigeria Polytechnics Games Association (NIPOGA), held over the weekend at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State.

The event, themed “Ijakadi 2025,” brings together polytechnic athletes nationwide. Speaking to reporters, Senator Ashiru, representing Kwara South, highlighted the games as a platform to celebrate Nigeria's unity and shared aspirations.

“This event transcends sports. It is a testament to our collective resolve to foster harmony and national cohesion,” Senator Ashiru stated.

“The takeaway from this (games) is that in unity we can do great,” Ashiru said.“ In unity, we can achieve more. In unity Nigeria can be one of the greatest nations in the world.

“This great event is taking place in very good time. It is an epochal time. I was amazed, happy and emotional when I saw our youths during the match pass. They came from every state in Nigeria. In spite of our diversity,” headed.

He urged the athletes to strive to be the best always, adding: “when you strive to be the best in sports you will be the best everywhere.”

Dr Alausa, represented by Director, Polytechnic Education and Allied Institutions, Dr Ejeh Usman, said that the fiesta will foster the unity of Nigeria 'that we are craving for'.

“The message from the minister is to encourage all the participating schools, rectors and all the polytechnics that this (games) is a laudable.

“The ministry is in support of promoting sports in education. Education without games is not complete. Education goes hand in hand with sports.”

Also speaking, Chairman, Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Alhaji Moshood O Ojikutu, echoed the earlier speakers.

“I urge the participants to seize the opportunity to interact with one another and make new friends for the unity of the country,” Ojikutu added.

Over 5,000 student-athletes and officials from polytechnics across the country are participating in various games.

The games are featuring twelve different sports

Earlier, institution's Rector Dr. Kadiri Kamoru, who doubles as President of the NIPOGA caretaker committee, described the hosting as symbolic, coming just before his second anniversary in office.