Kogi State Polytechnic defeated the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) 1-0 in the opening football match as the maiden edition of the Governor Ododo All-Campus Games commenced in Kogi State.

The competition began on Monday at the Sports Complex of the Federal University Lokoja, Adankolo Campus, with government officials and representatives of the 13 participating tertiary institutions in attendance.

Representing Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo at the opening ceremony, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Folashade Arike Ayoade, said sports had evolved beyond recreation to become a tool for economic empowerment, talent development and poverty reduction.

Ayoade conveyed the governor’s call on students from the participating institutions to use the games to promote unity, exchange ideas and build lasting relationships that would contribute to the development of the state.

She also commended the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Aridaojo Monday Anyebe, for his efforts to advance sports in the state, urging him to sustain the momentum.

In his welcome address, Anyebe said the competition was designed to bring students together, promote healthy rivalry and strengthen collaboration among tertiary institutions across Kogi State.

He added that the games would provide opportunities to identify emerging sporting talents and encourage youth participation in sports.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Head of Service, Hajiya Falilat Yusuf Musa; Commissioner for Water Resources, Engineer Yahaya Faruk; the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Planning; Special Adviser on Women and Youth, Charity Ijese; and the Special Adviser on Electronic Media.

Permanent Secretaries from the Office of the Head of Service and the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, alongside other government officials and appointees, were also present.

In the opening football match, Kogi State Polytechnic secured a narrow victory over FUL, with goalkeeper Michael Idowu producing several crucial saves to preserve his side’s lead.

The result earned the polytechnic three points, while FUL will seek its first victory when it faces the Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute in its next match.

Activities in other zones of the competition are scheduled to continue on Tuesday, October 27, with participating institutions competing in various sporting events.

The grand finale of the maiden edition of the Governor Ododo All-Campus Games is scheduled for November 7, 2026.

The competition is expected to promote friendship and healthy competition among students while providing a platform for discovering young sporting talents and advancing youth development across the state.