The organisers of the this year’s Nigeria Polytechnic Games on Thursday disclosed that the budgeted N450 million to put facilities in place and host a successful games is yet to be raised.
The Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State, Theophilus Bamigboye, said about 37 federal and state polytechnics are expected to participate in the 18th NIPOGA games.
Bamigboye said this when he led the management team of the Federal Polytechnic, Bida to pay a courtesy call on the Niger State Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, at the Government House, Minna.
He said though the budget to host the Games is N450 million, only N120 million has been raised.
Accordingly, he said: “Our main purpose of visit is to present our invitation letter to you (the governor), who is the grand patron of the games, and to render our sincere thanks for the N5 million the government had earlier given to us.
“We seek your continued support in funding the 2014 NIPOGA games.
“A lot of facilities have been put in place with some still lacking.
“We seek for more financial support from the state government for the success of this Games.”
Bamigboye said the game, which would be hosted by the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, holds from December 6 to 13, 2014, with about 40,000 participants.
In his response, Governor Aliyu said that the state government would support any activity that would break the stereotypes being practised today in the country so as to bring about unity among different ethnic groups.
Aliyu added that the state government would ensure that adequate structures and facilities are put in place to ensure a conducive environment for participants.
According to him: “As host, I urge you to go to the local government chairmen for their financial support.
“State government alone cannot fund the success of this games.
“They should contribute their own quota.
“This is not an individual responsibility.
“Through collective responsibility, the purpose of this game would be achieved.”