By GEORGE EDOMWONYI

Fifty-nine Nigerian polytechnics are participating in the Senior Staff Games Association (NIPOSSGA), which began on Sunday in Auchi, Edo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Auchi Polytechnic, located in Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo, is hosting the 22nd edition of the games.

NAN also reports that the General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministry, Prof. Johnson Suleman, performed the lighting of the torch to officially kick off the event.

Rector of the host polytechnic, Dr Salisu Umar, on his opening remarks, said that the game helped to provide unity, sportsmanship and camaraderie among senior staff of Polytechnics across Nigeria.

Umar said that the game provided a platform for staff to interact, share experiences and showcase their talents beyond academics.

“Sporting activities in the polytechnic sector is not a nascent practice.

“The common purpose of any sports competition including NIPOSSGA is to primarily foster unity and peaceful co-existence.

“Hosting this event, our senior staff will adequately participate, which is an opportunity to acquire a rewarding mental development, a booster of cognitive function and to promote self-reliance and technological development,” he said.

He commended the organising committee for their efforts in making the event possible.

The rector welcomed participants to the institution and wish them a successful and enjoyable game.

“May the best team win and may this event strengthen bonds among polytechnic staff and foster a sense of community.

“I want to thank all contingents from 59 institutions for honouring us with their presence and also having confidence in our hospitality which we are never tired of providing.

“I now have the honour and privilege to officially declare open the 22nd NIPOSSGA and I wish you all memorable experience in Auchi polytechnic community,” Umar said.

The sporting events will hold from Dec. 6 to Dec. 14, featuring 10 games, including football, volleyball, lawn tennis, and badminton.

Others are table tennis, chess, scramble, monopoly, whot, ludo, draught, dart, Ayo and tug-of-war.

Highpoint of the ceremony was the opening football match between host institution and the Federal Polytechnic Idah Kogi State which ended in favour of Auchi Polytechnic 3 goals to nil (NAN)