Winners of the maiden Governor Ododo All Campus Games have received cash prizes, with the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Aridaojo Anyebe, promising a bigger and better-organised edition in future.

The presentation ceremony, held in Lokoja marked the close of the multi-sport competition, which brought together tertiary institutions across Kogi State in football, basketball, volleyball and athletics.

Anyebe thanked Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his support for sports development and youth empowerment, while commending the participating institutions, sports directors, athletes and Local Organising Committee for their contributions to the success of the competition.

He said lessons had been learnt from challenges recorded during the maiden edition, assuring that subsequent competitions would be better organised and their finals hosted at the revitalised State Stadium.

“There were internal challenges, but we have learnt from them. With the revival of the State Stadium, subsequent finals will be held at a proper state facility. The Games will continue to grow,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary and Co-Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Hon. Momoh Azeez, described the competition as a milestone in the state’s sports development efforts.

He said the Games had provided opportunities for talent discovery, discipline and unity among tertiary institutions, adding that the ministry would make it a permanent feature of Kogi’s sporting calendar.

The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Mr Michael Joshua, apologised for logistical and screening lapses recorded during the competition, assuring participants and stakeholders that the committee would address the shortcomings ahead of the next edition.

He also appreciated Governor Ododo and the commissioner for their support in organising the competition.

The ceremony featured the presentation of cash prizes to winners across the various sporting events in recognition of their performances.