Governor Ododo All Campus Games 2026: 13 Kogi Institutions to Compete in Football, Basketball, Volleyball
LOKOJA, Kogi State
Thirteen higher institutions across Kogi State are set to participate in the maiden edition of the Governor Ododo All Campus Games 2026, an initiative aimed at promoting sporting excellence, discovering young talents and strengthening unity among students.
The Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Aridaojo Monday Anyebe, announced the preparations for the competition during a press briefing on Friday, October 24, 2026, describing the tournament as an opportunity for student-athletes to showcase their abilities and represent their respective institutions in a competitive sporting environment.
The competition, organised by the Kogi State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development with the support of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration, will feature football, basketball and volleyball competitions for male and female teams.
According to the commissioner, the initiative is designed to bring together student-athletes from higher institutions across the state, providing them with a platform to demonstrate their skills, build sporting relationships and compete for honours.
The tournament is scheduled to commence on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Federal University Lokoja Sports Complex, while the grand finale is slated for Saturday, November 7, 2026.
13 Institutions Confirm Participation
The ministry has confirmed the participation of 13 institutions in the maiden edition of the competition, representing a broad range of universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and specialised institutions across Kogi State.
The 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; and Kogi State College of Education (Technical), Mopa.
Others are 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.
The participating institutions are expected to field teams in the various sporting events, setting the stage for competition among students from different parts of the state.
The organisers expressed optimism that the games would generate excitement across the participating campuses while encouraging students to embrace discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship.
Football, Basketball, Volleyball to Feature
The maiden edition will feature three major sporting events: football, basketball and volleyball, with competitions for both male and female teams.
The games are expected to provide student-athletes with an opportunity to demonstrate their sporting abilities while competing for honours on behalf of their respective institutions.
Beyond the pursuit of trophies and institutional pride, the competition is intended to promote healthy rivalry among campuses and strengthen relationships among students from different backgrounds.
The commissioner called on participating institutions, students and sports enthusiasts to turn out in large numbers to support their teams throughout the tournament.
He noted that the involvement of the wider student community and sports lovers would help create an exciting atmosphere and encourage the young athletes to give their best during the competition.
Games Designed to Discover Young Sporting Talents
Anyebe emphasised that the Governor Ododo All Campus Games was conceived as more than a sporting competition, describing it as an avenue to identify promising athletes, nurture emerging talents and create opportunities for young people to develop their sporting potential.
He explained that bringing together students from different higher institutions would help promote unity, friendship and mutual understanding among youths across Kogi State.
The initiative is also expected to encourage students to balance their academic pursuits with physical activity and healthy competition, while providing a platform through which talented athletes can gain greater visibility.
The ministry’s involvement reflects the state government’s focus on youth development through sports and other activities capable of engaging young people positively.
The commissioner expressed confidence that the maiden edition would establish a foundation for future campus sporting competitions and contribute to the growth of sports in the state.
Ministry Assures Public of Adequate Security
As preparations advance, the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has assured participants, spectators and other stakeholders that adequate security arrangements have been made for the tournament.
Anyebe said measures had been put in place to protect lives and property before, during and after the competition.
The assurance is intended to encourage students, officials, supporters and members of the public to attend the sporting events with confidence.
The ministry also urged participating institutions and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly throughout the tournament, with an emphasis on discipline, fair play and respect for opposing teams.
Anyebe Commends Ododo for Support
The commissioner commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his support and commitment towards ensuring the successful hosting of the maiden edition of the Governor Ododo All Campus Games.
He acknowledged the governor’s backing for the initiative, noting that the competition would provide an important opportunity to promote youth engagement, sporting development and unity among students in the state.
Anyebe expressed appreciation for the administration’s support and called on all participating institutions and stakeholders to work with the ministry to ensure a successful tournament.
With 13 institutions confirmed for participation, the competition is expected to bring campuses together in a celebration of sporting talent, teamwork and healthy rivalry.
The opening ceremony and first matches will take place at the Federal University Lokoja Sports Complex on October 26, with the grand finale scheduled for November 7, 2026.
The organisers have urged students, institutional authorities and sports enthusiasts across Kogi State to support the participating teams and contribute to the success of the inaugural games.