By James Sani
LOKOJA, Kogi State — Excitement is building across Kogi State as 13 tertiary institutions prepare for the maiden edition of the Governor Ododo All Campus Games 2026, an initiative aimed at discovering emerging sporting talents, promoting unity among students and creating opportunities for young athletes to excel.
The competition, scheduled to commence at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 26, at the Federal University Lokoja Sports Complex, will feature football, basketball, volleyball and athletics, with male and female categories providing students with opportunities to showcase their abilities and compete for honours.
The Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Aridaojo Monday Anyebe, disclosed this during a press briefing on preparations for the competition, describing the initiative as an important step towards strengthening the state’s sporting culture and nurturing the talents of young people.
Beyond the pursuit of medals and trophies, the games are expected to provide a platform for students to demonstrate their abilities, build lasting friendships, develop discipline and represent their institutions with pride.
Anyebe emphasised that sports remained a valuable instrument for character development, social integration, talent discovery and youth empowerment. He noted that the initiative reflected the commitment of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration to expanding opportunities for young people and strengthening sports development across the state.
The 13 participating institutions are Kogi State University, Kabba; Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja; Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba; Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute (KOICA), Lokoja; Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa; Kogi State College of Education (Technical), Mopa; Federal College of Education, Okene; College of Nursing Sciences, Obangede; Federal University Lokoja; Federal Polytechnic, Idah; Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara; College of Agriculture, Kabba; and College of Health Sciences, Idah.
Their participation is expected to foster healthy competition, encourage interaction among students from different institutions and strengthen the bonds of friendship and unity among young people across Kogi State.
Providing further details, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Momoh Steven Azeez, disclosed that preparations for the competition had lasted nearly three months, with arrangements covering venues, mobilisation of participating institutions, funding and security.
He said the games would run for approximately two weeks, featuring preliminary rounds, semi-finals and finals. He also called on media organisations to support the initiative through extensive coverage and publicity to ensure that the competition receives the attention it deserves.
Azeez commended Governor Ododo for supporting the initiative, describing it as a significant step towards expanding sporting opportunities and encouraging young people to identify, develop and maximise their potential.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Governor Ododo All Campus Games 2026, Comrade Michael Joshua Achor, announced that attractive prizes would be presented to outstanding participants across the various sporting categories.
He listed the athletics events as the 100 metres, 200 metres, 400 metres and 4×100 metres relay, adding that details of the prize money would be announced in due course.
Explaining the concept behind the competition, Achor said the all-campus initiative was designed to create the atmosphere of a comprehensive sporting festival, bringing students together to celebrate talent, teamwork, determination and institutional pride.
He disclosed that some athletics events would take place at Confluence Stadium, Lokoja, because some participating institutions lacked standard facilities suitable for hosting such competitions.
The Director of Sports in the ministry, Mr. Paul Aje, also commended the commissioner for driving the initiative, describing the maiden edition as another milestone in the state’s efforts to strengthen sports development and provide emerging athletes with a platform to showcase their abilities.
For participating students, the games offer more than an opportunity to win medals. They present a chance to gain competitive experience, attract recognition for their talents and potentially progress towards representing their institutions and Kogi State at higher levels of competition.
As preparations reach their final stages, the Governor Ododo All Campus Games 2026 is expected to bring together students, sports administrators, institutional representatives and sports enthusiasts in a celebration of athletic talent, teamwork and the unifying power of sports.
With sustained institutional support and effective talent development, the initiative has the potential to grow into a lasting platform for discovering future champions, strengthening inter-institutional relationships and advancing Kogi State’s contribution to sports development in Nigeria.
James Sani
Information Officer
Ministry of Youth and Sports Development
Lokoja, Kogi State.
