..says Sports can Unify Nigerians, Promotes Friendliness
By Uzo Ugwunze
As the general elections have come and gone, with most electoral litigations concluded and frayed nerves mended, the quintessential Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Engr. Mrs. Francisca Nwafulugo, has called upon the Federal Government of Nigeria to utilize sports as a means to promote friendliness among multi-ethnic Nigerians who hold different religious and political affiliations.
Speaking during the kickoff of the Rector's Unity Cup competitions at the Polytechnic football pitch in Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area, Anambra State, Engr. Mrs. Nwafulugo, the first female rector since the inception of the citadel of learning, described sports as a unifying force.
"The Federal Government has done a lot for Nigerians, and they are still doing so, but you know people desire more. I want to say they should keep up the good work. We want positive developments in the country. We aim for a friendly country where everyone has a place and a voice.
"The Federal Government is not performing poorly, but we require more. Sports is an outdoor activity that unites the spirit, soul, and mind. I believe sports are the best avenue for us at this time. Sports brings people together in unity. We need to come together to achieve greater things."
Furthermore, Engr. Mrs. Nwafulugo, who was nearing the end of her 5-year tenure as the polytechnic rector, stated that she had neither underestimated the power of sports nor neglected it during her administration, despite limited resources.
She expressed her appreciation to the Federal Polytechnic Oko community for organizing a series of sporting events in her honor and thanked God for the cooperation and support provided by the polytechnic's management, staff, and students, which led to numerous achievements in the polytechnic in less than five years.
"I want to thank God for this sporting event, which marks the first step towards the end of my tenure, one of several events. It is an honor for me to kick off this Rector's Unity Cup, and I sincerely appreciate it. Thank you for making me proud.
"From now until November 9, 2023, there are exciting trophies to be won. Seven schools on the main campus, including Atani campus, will compete in this competition. In this competition, everyone is a winner, but a few will certainly take home the trophies."
"Sports have never been neglected since the beginning of my tenure. They approached me for the Nigeria Polytechnic Games, NIPOGA, and also the Staff Games. Both were funded by this polytechnic, and they returned with many trophies to the credit of the organizers. We never missed any of those sports competitions despite facing financial challenges," said Nwafulugo.
"So far, it has been a journey filled with both re
wards and challenges. We have witnessed the good, the bad, and the ugly, but thank God for today. Five years have passed quickly, but we have achieved many accomplishments, thanks to the hardworking team that made it all happen," she added.
The Rector's Unity Cup will feature male and female football, male and female volleyball, male and female athletics (100m, 200m, 400m, 1500m, 4x100m), male and female badminton, and male and female table tennis.
Other dignitaries who attended the kickoff included the Deputy Rector, Mr. Uche Onyegbu, Acting Registrar, Mr. Obini Onuchukwu, Chief Librarian, Dr. Nwabu Ezemba, Director of Academic Planning, Dr. Ferguson Ezeokafor, Director of Sports, Mr. Kehinde Ogubunmi, the PRO, Mr. Chijioke Ibeziako, among other Directors of Schools and Heads of Departments.
However, the opening football match between the School of Financial Studies and the School of Applied Sciences ended with a score of 0 - 2 in favour of the latter.
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