Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and sports development, describing young people as one of the state’s greatest assets.
The Governor gave the assurance at the grand finale of the Governor Ododo All Campus Games held at the Federal University Lokoja (FUL), Lokoja, where students from tertiary institutions across the state converged to showcase their sporting talents, teamwork and competitive spirit.
Governor Ododo, who was represented by the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Umar Yusuf Aliyu, said the competition was established to provide young people with opportunities to discover, develop and showcase their talents.
He noted that sports go beyond entertainment, stressing that they play an important role in building discipline, teamwork, resilience and leadership qualities among young people.
According to him, the energy and potential of young people remain valuable resources that must be encouraged and given the right platforms to thrive.
He commended the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, under the leadership of the Commissioner, Hon. Monday Anyebe Aridaojo, for organising the competition and bringing together students from different tertiary institutions across Kogi State.
The Governor also appreciated the management, staff and students of the Federal University Lokoja for hosting the grand finale, while applauding the sponsors, organisers, officials, security agencies and other stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the games.
Addressing the athletes, Governor Ododo urged them to demonstrate sportsmanship, respect their opponents and officials, and uphold the values of their respective institutions.
He encouraged participants who might not emerge victorious to remain determined, describing defeat as an opportunity to learn, improve and return stronger.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Anyebe Monday Aridaojo, described the Governor Ododo All Campus Games as a strategic platform for talent discovery, youth development and social integration.
He explained that what began weeks ago as an idea had grown into a major sporting event, bringing together athletes from different tertiary institutions and communities across Kogi State.
The Commissioner said the initiative was designed to achieve three major objectives: discovering sporting talents, building character and promoting unity among young people.
According to him, the games provide an opportunity to identify future national sports stars who might otherwise remain undiscovered without such platforms.
He added that sports teach discipline, teamwork, resilience and respect for rules, noting that these values prepare young people for greater responsibilities in society.
Aridaojo further stressed that the competition had strengthened relationships among students from different backgrounds, describing the unity displayed throughout the games as an achievement worth sustaining.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Ododo for his vision and support, saying the administration had demonstrated its commitment to youth development through practical investments and opportunities.
The Commissioner also commended the athletes for their dedication and sacrifices, urging them to compete with honour, respect their opponents and officials, and uphold the image of their institutions and Kogi State.
He appreciated the coaches, teachers, parents, medical teams, security agencies, volunteers and the Lokoja community for their contributions to the successful organisation of the event.
Aridaojo assured that the Ministry would work towards making the Governor Ododo All Campus Games an enduring sporting tradition, with improved opportunities and broader participation in subsequent editions.
He expressed optimism that the competition would continue to serve as a breeding ground for sporting talents while strengthening youth engagement and unity across the state.
