IJAKADI 2024: Beyond Fedpoffa’s Historic NIPOGA
By Olayinka Iroye
The Federal Polytechnic Offa (FEDPOFFA), Kwara State, is poised to host the 22nd edition of the Nigeria Polytechnic Games Association (NIPOGA), themed Ijakadi 2024. The much-anticipated sporting fiesta is set to commence on Saturday, 5th to 12th of April, 2025, with thrilling events taking place across the Main and Mini campuses of the Polytechnic.
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Polytechnic for its seamless and meticulous preparations to host this prestigious competition. Given FEDPOFFA’s outstanding track record in sports, academics, and infrastructure development, it didn’t come as a surprise that the institution was unanimously awarded the hosting rights by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) with the support of the entire Polytechnics in Nigeria.
Emphatically, FEDPOFFA has always demonstrated remarkable sporting excellence, consistently excelling in various national and international competitions. With its state-of-the-art sports facilities and a passionate sporting culture, the institution is ready to set new records in hosting this landmark 22nd edition, earning itself global acclaim and recognition.
Beyond NIPOGA, The Federal Polytechnic Offa is a sports-loving institution, boasting a serene and conducive environment that fosters sports development. The Polytechnic takes pride in its world-class indoor sports hall, regarded as the first and best in any tertiary institution in Nigeria. The newly upgraded sports field is equally capable of hosting major national sporting events.
This 22nd edition of NIPOGA will feature 22 exhilarating sporting events, including football, basketball, volleyball, handball, table tennis, lawn tennis, taekwondo, judo, chess, scrabble, athletics, among others.
Over the years, FEDPOFFA has produced elite athletes who have represented Nigeria on national, continental, and global stages. Among them are: Mayowa Babatunde (Mayor) – A table tennis maestro who represented Nigeria at WAPOGA and other international competitions. Ismaila Olatunji – A professional footballer who played for top Nigerian clubs and is now an international coach.
The Polytechnic is also home to renowned coaches who have made significant contributions to Nigerian sports: Coach Onijala – A former Nigerian basketball and volleyball player and a technical adviser for NIPOGA, WAPOGA, and NIPOSSGA. Coach Odukoya (Samaja) – The Chief Coach of the Polytechnic, who has led the institution to multiple victories and nurtured several Nigerian sports stars. Coach Sarafa Salami – Former Golden Eaglets goalkeeper (1987) who played in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, where Nigeria secured second place.
With such an impressive pedigree in sports, no Polytechnic is better suited to host this prestigious 22nd edition of NIPOGA than The Federal Polytechnic Offa.
FEDPOFFA is widely recognized as the fastest-growing polytechnic in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. In the last NBTE ranking, the Polytechnic secured the 8th position nationwide. According to JAMB statistics, FEDPOFFA holds the prestigious title of the most sought-after Polytechnic in Nigeria.
Offa, where the Polytechnic is domicile is the second-largest town in Kwara State and the headquarters of Ibolo Kingdom, is steeped in rich history and tradition. It is the home of Ijakadi – the age-long festival of equity and justice. Offa is the legendary land of Queen Moremi Ajasoro, a heroine of Yoruba folklore. The home of sweet potatoes, a staple delicacy renowned across Nigeria.
Visitors and participants are invited to experience Offa’s warmth, rich culture, and legendary hospitality during their stay.
I extend a profound gratitude to the Rector, Engr. Dr. Kamoru Oluwatoyin Kadri (KK), for his unwavering commitment to making NIPOGA 2025 a spectacular success. His visionary leadership has driven the Polytechnic’s remarkable investment in sports infrastructure and talent development. Dr. KK firmly believes in the transformative power of sports in fostering friendship, teamwork, and national unity among students.
As we prepare for this grand sporting event, it is my sincere hope that NIPOGA – Ijakadi 2025 will be remembered for years to come as a tournament of excellence, sportsmanship, and lasting memories.
Welcome to FEDPOFFA, Welcome to Offa, Welcome to Kwara State – The State of Harmony!
Olayinka Iroye
2nd March, 2025
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