UNIPORT 2004 ENDS!

After nearly two weeks of keen rivalry, friendship and unrivalled spirit of sportsmanship, the 20th Universities Games captioned “UNIPORT 2004 ends today.
A major highlight of the fiesta will be the finals of Men’s Football Event between the University of Port Harcourt and strangers in paradise, Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, Edo State.
The best organized NUGA Games which was declared open last Saturday by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Grand Custodian of NUGA 2004, Chief (Mrs) Stella Obasanjo, amidst some of the most spectacular colour parade ever show-cased in the Inter-Collegiate Games.
Over 40 universities participated in the 15 competitive events that drew crowds from all over the city of Port Harcourt and its environs. UNIPORT 2004 will go down in history as not only the most anticipated NUGA Games, but also as the most widely attended ceremony.
For the first time, two private institutions: Igbinedion and Benson Idahosa Universities participated in the Games. The traditional rivalry for supremacy among the top contenders was again re-enacted at UNIPORT 2004.

UNIPORT BATTLES FOR TOP POSITION

The final medals table may still be in the making, but athletes representing the University of Port Harcourt appear to be on the verge of placing the Institution right on top of the medals table as the curtain falls on NUGA 2004 today.
Details are still sketchy, but a clear pattern appears to be already emerging as Team UNIPORT is threatening to run away with the overall medals placement at the end of the event today. There are very strong indications that Team UNIPORT has been able to fend off the challenge previously posed by its bitter rival Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Already, a palpable atmosphere of eager anticipation has engulfed the University of Port Harcourt Community, as staff and students are joining the all conquering athletes in a muted victory celebration, even as the various contingents await the final medals table.

IGBINEDION VARSITY SPORTS DIRECTOR HAILS NUGA GAMES

The National Universities Games (NUGA) is one of the best things that happened to the development of the University system in Nigeria. This declaration was made by the Team Leader of Igbinedion University, Dr. John Okoro in a chat with NUGA News Special at the Media Centre. Dr. Okoro said that this is because sport which is an integral part of the educational system has the capacity to develop the innate qualities in an individual. He said that the fact that Igbinedion University was taking part in the Games for the first time was a great achievement and exposure.
The Director, who praised the standard of facilities used for the Games, suggested that to raise the quality of officiating in subsequent games, officials should be given a kind of coaching training prior to the NUGA events to ensure that they were abreast of the rules of the Games. He said that the University which was taking part in the Games for the first time was competing in only shot put event, pointing out that the institution will feature in more events in the next NUGA Games.

UNN UNFOLDS NUGA 2006 BID

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka has said that it is the most qualified institution to host the next edition of the National Universities Games in 2006. This assertion was made by the Director of Sports of the University, Mr. Godwin Ogbogbe, while briefing news men on the institution’s bid to host the Games.
Mr. Ogbogbe who said that the University of Nigeria is a Founding Father of the Games, stated that it has infrastructure on ground to host a successful NUGA Games come 2006, disclosing that it has an existing FIFA standard pitch and is the only University in the South-East that has a well maintained cricket pitch, as well as 27 tennis courts. He said that the problem of transportation and communication will be no problems to the Universities with the existence of an efficient inter-campus transportation system between the main campus at Nsukka and Enugu campus.
The Director of Sports who described the sporting facilities at the University as being of international standards which were constructed as far back as 1960, said that, “what we need to do is to renovate and refurbish the ones we have for the 2006 Games”. On the huge finances required to host the Games, he said that the institution has the support of its alumni, the Central Bank Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, five current Governors in the country who are also alumni, as well as the Minister of Education, Professor Fabian Osuji.
Mr. Ogbogbe said that apart from conforming to the objectives of NUGA Council, UNN has a mission to restore the dignity of man, which is the motto of the institution.

FUTA DON COMMENDS NUGA STANDARDS IN UNIPORT

The impressive standards of UNIPORT 2004 NUGA Games have been described as an attestation to the fact that the standard of the competition has progressed rapidly.
This assertion was made by the Leader of Delegation from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Dr. Chuba Arum in a chat with NUGA News Special.
Dr. Arum who is also a member of the University’s Sports Council, said that subsequent hosts of the Games should endeavour to surpass what the University of Port Harcourt has done, commending the authorities of the institution and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for a job well done.
He said that subsequent hosts should learn to have mutual relationship and understanding with their host communities so as to attract philanthropists and individual sponsors to the Games.
The Leader of the Delegation described the Games as a fair competition, stating that, “we are seeing for the first time where the use of mercenaries to win medals was not only condemned, but the event was aimed at discovering and grooming young athletes for future competitions.
On the institution’s participation, Dr. Arum whose University took part in 8 events, said that they already have three (3) Gold, two (2) Silver and six (6) Bronze medals, pointing out that it was a good outing for his University.

PROFESSOR MAKANJU LAUDS UNIPORT GOV ODILI

The authorities of the University of Port Harcourt as well as the Executive Governor of Rivers State have been commended for the massive injection of fund to put in place the World Class sporting facilities used for the 20th edition of the NUGA Games.
This commendation was made by the Chairman of the University of Lagos Sports Council, Professor Olatunde Makanju, in an interview with NUGA News Special, yesterday.
Professor Makanju who is also the President of Nigeria Association of Athletics Technical Officials, described the Swimming Pool as simply fantastic and the gymnasium as superb for the Games. He however decried the low standard of performance from athletes, stating that it is surprising that athletes that could not have won Bronze medals 20 or 30 years ago are now winning Gold medals.
The Director also strongly advocated for the training of officiating personnel for each event, pointing out that the level of officiating was very low. According to him: “we have people who are not competent to officiate. This has resulted to a situation whereby people were given positions they did not win”, adding that “this has culminated to a situation whereby we have given silver and bronze medals to athletes in Shot Put, while the result were still being hotly contested by the participants.” He also said that the results of 100m men, 200m men and women are being contested as a result of poor officiating.
On the facilities at the Grand Stand, Professor Makanju said that there where still technical observations that should be looked into to conform to international standards, stressing that the tracks should be well laid and made flat adding that the inclination in the running direction should be made standard. He said that these technical observations should be looked into to raise the standard of the facilities to conform with the International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) standards.

LOC BOSS REACTS TO PROTEST BY CATERERS

The Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee of UNIPORT 2004, Professor Mark Anikpo, has strongly refuted allegations made by some private caterers that the University went on to issue them with forms for allocation of stands despite knowing in advance that the Governor of Rivers State, Sir (Dr) Peter Odili had previously offered to provide free feeding to the athletes.
Professor Anikpo who was reacting to protect addressed to him by the group calling itself “NUGA 2004 Caterers,” disclosed that the LOC and the entire NUGA family received the thrilling offer from Dr. Odil right there at the VIP Stand during the Opening Ceremony last Saturday, pointing out that the Governor’s offer of free feeding took everybody by total surprise.
The Chairman, who sympathized with the Caterers for whatever losses that they may have incurred in the process of preparing for the Games, said that every business was fraught with unexpected risks which the investor should factor into his business strategy. Professor Anikpo who frowned at the attempts by the Caterers to portray the LOC and the entire University in bad light over what he described as an unforeseen circumstance, assured them that their protest, though concluded in unpleasant language, would be addressed at the appropriate time, stressing that a simple business transaction did not constitute a moral burden on the University as the Caterers tended to misdirect the public.
According to the Chairman, some of those who signed the protest letter are still doing brisk business in the Games Village, reminding them that Dr. Odili’s free feeding was limited to only accredited athletes, which excluded officials and thousands of spectators who ate from the private Caterers.

Idahosa Varsity Relishes First NUGA Outing

The National Universities Games Association (NUGA) has been described as one of the best ways to enhance the mental and physical vibrancy of students of Nigerian Universities.This assertion was made by the Director of Sport of Benson Idahosa University, Barrister O. I. Adewoye in an interview with NUGA News Special.
Barrister Adewoye whose Institution is taking part in the Games for the first time, said that it is a way of turning the mind of students from anti-social vices that have plagued the nation's tertiary institutions, commending the NUGA Council for sustaining the Games.The Director of Sports who is also the Team Leader of the University contingent to the Games, said that prior to the fiesta, the University which is taking part in 5 events had prepared adequately to measure up with older institutions, stressing that the level of preparations made it to be the first private University to win a medal in NUGA Games, hoping for more medals before the end of the competition.
On the standard of facilities for the Games, Barrister Adewoye who is also the Dean, Faculty of Law of the University, described them as wonderful, adding that the facilities on ground can be compared to what is obtainable in Western countries. He commended the efforts of the authorities of the University of Port Harcourt, the Local Organizing Committee and NUGA Council for ensuring a successful hosting, as well as the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili for the massive support he gave to the University. The Director said that preparation for the next Games will commence immediately, hoping for better outing by athletes representing Benson Idahosa University in future NUGA competitions.

UNIBEN Coach Denies Radio Rivers Report

The University of Benin contingent to UNIPORT 2004 has strongly denied a report aired on Radio Rivers 2 (FM Stereo) yesterday which claimed that one of its Coaches spoke on the use of mercenaries by some Universities at the on-going Games.Addressing reporters at the Media Centre, the Athletics Coach, Mr. Patrick Okosun, attributed the allegation to “the handiwork of mischief makers who are working very had to scuttle the well-targeted bid of the University of Benin for NUGA 2006”, assuring that his contingent would not be distracted by such evil machinations.
According to Mr. Okosun, there is no Coach from the University of Benin that has any reason whatsoever to protest any event, not to talk of inciting violence or ill-will against other universities in an event that is essentially designed to foster friendship and healthy rivalry, adding that all the accredited Coaches from UNIBEN have summarily denied ever speaking to Mr. Baridam Sika who anchored the offending story for Radio Rivers.
“Nobody from UNIBEN has the authority to speak to the Press without the express permission of the Director of Sports and the Chairman of Sports in the University of Benin”, he said, adding that investigations have so far revealed no such interview.
Coach Okosun described the University of Port Harcourt as very friendly with UNIBEN and hospitable to other contingents, assuring that mischief makers will not be allowed to strain the good relationship.
Coach Okosun denied the presence of so-called mercenaries among the athletes, pointing out that the documentation process in each university and the NUGA accreditation process would make it extremely difficult for non-students to filter into the Games. The institution has also been advised always engage experts to service identified problems with the facilities to avoid the use of amateurs to damage them. These were the submissions of Mr. Rotimi Obajimi, whose firm Jaroba Nigeria Limited constructed the Regupol system of synthetic sporting surfaces in an interview with NUGA News Special yesterday. Mr. Obajimi whose company represents BSW of Germany in Nigeria, said that the facilities in UNIPORT would encourage recreational habits among residents of Port Harcourt, adding, “I have never seen NUGA Games with so many spectators”, attributing it to the high level of awareness created by the organizers of the Games.
Mr. Obajimi suggested that Clubs should be formed for the various games for which excellent facilities exist in the Games Village, to generate both interest and additional funds.
Describing the quality of competition as very high, he said that UNIPORT has the fastest track that athletes can run on, adding that both the Swimming Pool and In-door Sports Hall are facilities to be proud of any day. Mr. Rotimi said that the Regupol track comes in the form of a mat, with a base that is pre-fabricated in the factory. This, according him, guarantees the same surface all over the track, and congratulated the University for insisting on the highest standards in facilities.

FUTY VC Sends Goodwill Message

Sports festivals and competitions among youths have been described as instruments for the development of both mental and physical capabilities of the individual.This assertion was made by the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Yola, Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, in a Goodwill message to UNIPORT 2004.
Professor Ribadu said that NUGA Games have become one of the most vital and significant events within the Nigeria University system, stressing that it is not only became it affords sports loving students in our universities the rare opportunity of coming together for healthy sporting activities, but also serves as a forum for exchanging ideas on various issues of importance to the University system and the nation. He advised participants as well as the organizers of the Games to continue to do everything possible to maintain very high standards of excellence, sportsmanship and discipline, stressing that only these attributes can foster lasting friendship and cordial relationship between the Institution and individual competitors.

NUC Pledges Support For NUGA

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has expressed its resolve to continue to support the NUGA Council to ensure the sustainability of the Games.This assurance was given by the representative of the Commission to the 20th NUGA Games, Mr. E. E. Amanam in an interview with NUGA News Special.
Mr. Amanam said that the Commission is impressed with the level of participation and interested in the progress of the Games, adding that it will ensure the eradication of anti-social vices which the Commission had always fought against. Said he: “NUC is very supportive of the Games and NUGA Council can attest to the fact that the Commission is being represented in NUGA matters”. He said that there is steady progress in the level of organization of the Games, commending the sporting spirit exhibited by athletes in this year’s competition.
On the standard of facilities for the Games, the NUC representative described it as tremendous, adding that “for the University of Port Harcourt to meet the taste of present realities, you can see that they have now set another record. Another University may want to surpass that record; that is what we are yet to see”. He said he is impressed with the level of security arrangement of the Games, adding that it is really an impressive Games here in UNIPORT.

UNN Briefs The Press Today On 2006 Bid

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) football team has vowed to clinch the gold medal at the 20th edition of NUGA Games. The Director of Sports of the University, Mr. Godwin Ogbogbe made this known to NUGA News Special at the Media Centre yesterday. Ogbogbe said that his team is here to win, having been in camp for two months, stressing that he has the most disciplined team so far as the football event for the Games is concerned.
The University which is hotly bidding for the hosting rights of NUGA 2006, will address a big Press Conference at 10.00 a.m. today at the Media Centre to unfold its agenda to anxious media men and the NUGA family.
It will be recalled that UNN last hosted the Games in 1974.

Professor Amakiri Advises Other Varsities To Emulate UNIPORT

All other universities have been advised to emulate the example of the University of Port Harcourt by developing standard sporting facilities as part of the battle against social vices and identification of a hidden talents for the nation.
Speaking as Chairman of NUGA Forum yesterday at the Games Village, the Rivers State Commissioner of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Professor (Mrs) Mildred Amakiri, congratulated the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nimi D. Briggs, for hosting the best NUGA and for raising the funds that made it possible for the facilities to be put in place.
Professor Amakiri advised that such world class facilities should be fully maintained to attract additional revenue for the University after the Games.
Recalling the old adage of a sound mind in a sound body, the Commissioner said that the facilities now in place should help the University train top-rated athletes, stressing that the Games Village should be opened to those outsdie the University Community to achieve the purpose for which it was constructed.
Professor Amakiri described NUGA Forum as a very important aspect of the entire Games, and praised the NUGA Council for sustaining the lofty vision of those who initially started the Forum.
Welcoming the Guests, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Nimi D. Briggs, stressed the importance of sporting activities in the academic calendar of universities, adding that sound academic activities have a strong link with discipline in sports. He disclosed that with the facilities now put in place, the University of Port Harcourt would soon commence degree programmes in various areas of sports, expressing gratitude to the Governor of Rivers State, Sir (Dr) Peter Odili for his massive financial intervention that enabled the University to developed the facilities it is now showcasing to the nation.

TFAAN Scribe Advocates Better Sporting Policy

Universities in Nigeria have been called upon to initiate sporting policies which would help in eradicating the use of mercenaries for future NUGA Games.
This advice was given by the Secretary-General, Track and Field Athletics Association of Nigeria, Mr. Bright Ugbama, in an interview with NUGA News Special. Mr. Ugbama who was on ground to monitor the Games said that from his observations and interactions so far, the Association has discovered cases of non-student athletes being featured by universities in the Games, stressing that if this is not checked the future of athletics would be bleak. He said, “NUGA Games is one of our only surviving hopes to breed young athletes”, adding that this could be done through the granting of scholarships that will help boost the morale of athletes.

NUGA Secretary Tasks Next Hosts
…………..Showers Praises On UNIPORT

Universities bidding for future hosting rights of the NUGA Games have been advised to embrace the modalities adopted by the University of Port Harcourt in hosting the 20th Edition of the Games.
This advice was given by the Secretary-General of NUGA Council, Mr. Bola Orodele in a chat with NUGA News Special yesterday.
Mr. Orodele who commended the mutual relationship and understanding the University authorities have with their host communities said that this is how a university should work to achieve results. Said he: “Anyone that wants to host the next Games will, at least, get to the standard the University of Port Harcourt has set. It will have to embrace all what the Institution has done because it has been able to establish a mutual relationship with its host communities.”
A visibly impressed Secretary-General said that the Games have moved a bit further with the standard of facilities on ground, commending the efforts of the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili, over the assistance to the University in hosting the Games. Mr. Orodele said that the free feeding given to all duly accredited athletes during the Games demonstrates the level of traditional hospitality of the Rivers people.

Commissioner Outlines Gains Of Sports

The authorities of the University of Port Harcourt have been commended for challenging the various stakeholders on the need to rise to the occasion by making the third NUGA Games in the new millennium the greatest edition in both planning, organizing and innovation.
This commendation was made by the Rivers State Commissioner of Sports, Chief Allwell Onyesoh, while delivering a Keynote address during the 20th NUGA Forum at the University of Port Harcourt.
Chief Onyesoh who was represented by Engr. S. O. Ordu said that “time has come for universities to embrace sports participation on campus as a veritable tool to attain a comprehensive academic portfolio”, stressing that such participation would go a long way in curbing the malaise of cultism and several other social vices and maladies in the University system.
The Sports Commissioner said that the 20th NUGA Games has proved a point that sports and economic development go together as the University system cannot be an exemption, adding that NUGA, as a brand, could be more successfully marketed in future by employing more aggressive marketing strategies.
Presenting the lead paper at the Forum, a Professor of Physical Education, Professor (Mrs) Veronica Igbanugo solicited mass participation in sports in all universities in order to lend support to the nation's sports policy, suggesting that undergraduate students should take two units of compulsory sports courses during their first year. She said that “this will help the discovery of talents as well as enable students discover what potentials they have and can develop”.

NUGA Jury Goes Tough On MercenaryAthletes

Reported cases of fielding non students by Universities have been sent to the NUGA Jury of Appeal and are being adjudicated.
This disclosure was made by a member of the NUGA 2004 Accreditation Committee, Professor Emmanuel Udoh, while speaking to a NUGA News Special correspondent yesterday.
Professor Udoh who is also the Director of Sports, University of Uyo, said that the Committee disqualified a number of athletes in various events, stressing that the process of accreditation ensured that no University cheat by fielding non-students in any of the events.
He said that games such as Judo, Taekwando and Tennis have recorded cases of alleged fielding of non-students and are begin handled by the Jury of Appeal.
Professor Udoh said that initially there were cases of athletes who did not complete their forms properly and were required to make their records clear, adding that no disqualified athlete was fielded for any event.

UNIPORT Pool Is Best In Africa – UNICAL Coach

The 50 metres swimming pool introduced in this year’s NUGA points the way forward in swimming for Nigeria. This assertion was made by the Swimming Coach of Team UNICAl, Mr. Moses Ita-Agbor in an interview with NUGA News Special.
Coach Ita-Agbor who is also a national swimming coach, said that what is on ground will go a long way in improving the standard of swimming in the country, adding that what is left is the provision of a gym where swimmers can flex and strengthen their muscles before diving into the pool. He said that Nigerian Swimmers do not do well because the facilities available for training do not meet international standards. According to him, “if you look at our swimmers, we do not do well in long distance swimming, in short distance, we do better”, stressing that the swimming pool is not only the best in Nigeria, but Africa as a whole.

Athletics: UNIPORT Captures 4 Gold, 4 Silver

Barely hours after Coach B. S. Dakoru promised that Team Uniport Athletes would deliver the medals, the University has captured 4 Gold and 4 Silver so far in the track events.Coach Dakoru said that nothing would stop the team from ruling the tracks at the end of the competition.

Coach Dakoru Promises More Medals For UNIPORT

The athletics Coach of the University of Port Harcourt, Mr. B. S. Dakoru, has assured that Team Uniport would do the University proud on the medals table at the end of the competition. Speaking exclusively to NUGA News Special yesterday, Coach Dakoru said that Track and Field Events are now in full gear, assuring that all identified bottle-necks have been taken care off.
He said that other contingents are very impressed with the Olympic-standard facilities put in place by the authorities of the University of Port Harcourt for the fiesta pointing out that the only way Team Uniport can express gratitude to the University authorities is to sweep the medals table.
The Coach said that team spirit is very high, while the athletes are battle-ready to demolish all oppositions, appealing to the home fans to support Team UNIPORT.

Obia Captures 2 Gold In Swimming
... Dreams Eleven Gold!

The UNIPORT Swimming sensation, Miss Obia Inyengiyikabo launched her battle for medals supremacy in the water yesterday with two Gold medals in the 200 metres Free Style (Women) finals.Obia who is popularly called “The Uniport Fish,” fended off all opposition to emerge winner with a time of two minutes and thirty-one seconds ahead of Miss Maria Jonah also of Uniport who placed second with a time of two minutes and forty-one seconds.
Speaking exclusively to NUGA News Special shortly after capturing Gold, Obia again reassured that she hopes to sweep nine more gold to crown her reign as queen of the pool.
She said that the entire members of Team UNIPORT are positioning themselves to do the University proud, adding that she fears no opposition from any other competitor. In the 200 Free Style (Men’s) finals, Odogu Ekpolami of UNIPORT placed a disappointing third, conceding the first and second positions to Blestus Odiche of DELSU and Yellow Yeiyah of OAU.

NUGA Forum Holds Today

All is now ready for the NUGA Forum today. The Forum is a traditional NUGA event that focuses on the intellectual aspects of the fiesta. The Rivers State Commissioner of Higher Education, Professor (Mrs) Mildred Amakiri, will chair the occasion, while the Keynote address will be delivered by Chief Allwell Onyesoh who is the Rivers State Commissioner of Sports. The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Nimi D. Briggs, will deliver the Welcome address, while the Amayanabo of Twon Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff is expected to be the Special Guest of Honour at the event.
It would be recalled that the first Chairman of NUGA Forum, Dr. Isaac Okonny died shortly before the Opening Ceremony of the Games. May his kind and gentle soul rest in peace.
A Service of Songs will hold in his honour at the Delta Park campus of the University this evening.

Mercy Akide-Udoh Speaks On NUGA 2004

Two-time African Female Footballer of the Year, Mrs. Mercy Akide-Udoh, has expressed satisfaction with the organization and performance of athletes to NUGA 2004. The female soccer sensation who was accompanied by her husband, Mr. Collin Udoh and media men, told NUGA News Special that she was very impressed with the facilities for the Games, adding that the centre pitch is better than some of the international fields she played on.
The Soccer icon who was promptly drafted to present medals to winners in some concluded events, praised the organizers for what she described as the most successful NUGA Games so far put up in any University in Nigeria.

UNIPORT Has Set Higher Standards For NUGA – VC

The standards set by the University of Port Harcourt in this year’s NUGA Games is the achievement of the vision of the authorities of the Institution to raise the quality and standards of the Games to a point where people will take it more seriously.
This hint was dropped by the Vice-Chancellor of the Institution, Professor Nimi D. Briggs, while answering questions from sports journalists at the NUGA Village Media Centre yesterday.
Professor Briggs said that given the standards that have been set, the next host of the Games will face the task of making an improvement to surpass what the University has done, stressing that “if you look at the quality of this year’s Games, this is one of the best Games we have ever had in the history of NUGA”. According to him, “if NUGA is able to raise the quality of the Games like this, it will start attracting international attention”.
The Vice-Chancellor attributed the success of infrastructural development in sporting facilities to frugality in the use of meagre funds without compromising standards by his administration, pointing out that “when we started we had an estimate of N5 billion but what you see here today cost the University over N2 billion.
On the state of the University gymnasium, Professor Briggs said that the facility which is now ready for use is the best in Nigeria. He assured that all the facilities that have been put in place would be maintained after the Games to avoid the common Nigerian problem where lack of maintenance results in decay of facilities. Said he, “if we fail to maintain what you see here, then all we have spent huge sums of money to put in place will be a waste”.

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Air Your Views At The Media Centre
Do you have any news you want other contingents to know about? Or do you wish to make news yourself? Then come talk to NUGA News Special at the Media Centre located behind the VIP Grand Stand. Dozens of journalists are waiting there to hear from you.

Competition Commence in all Events

As UNIPORT NUGA 2004 approaches its 4th day, all the events have started and winners are emerging. Games that have taken place include Volleyball, Basketball, Judo, Taekwando, Table Tennis, High Jump, Discus, Lawn Tennis, Badminton, and Athletics.
Taekwando gets into the semi final stage today in both Light and Fin weight categories. Universities that have qualified for the semi-finals of the event are UNIPORT, University of Agriculture, Maiduguri, LAUTECH and UNIBEN for the light weight (female). Bayero University, Kano (B.U.K.), UNIJOS, OAU for the Light weight (male); Adekunle Ajasin University, FUT, UNBEN and UNIJOS for light weight (male) and B.U.K., OAU, UNIBEN and UNICAL for Fin weight, female.
The swimming event starts today as hosts, UNIPORT hopes to win most of the medals in the various categories.

Athletics Coordinator Commends Uniport Authorities

Sir L. A. Okorie, Chairman of NUGA Athletics Committee has joined in commending the authorities of the University of Port Harcourt for the high standard facilities provided by the Local Organizing Committee for NUGA 2004. Sir Okorie who Coordinates both officials and the teams, said that the commencement of Athletics signals the beginning of NUGA proper, pointing out that Track and Field events represent the soul of sports. The Coordinator who said that he had been to so many NUGA Games since 1984, told NUGA News Special that “second to Uniport in terms of the provision of quality sporting facilities is the University of Lagos,” adding that the host University has thrown a huge challenge to future hosts of the Games. According to him, “UNILAG made a good impression with facilities, but now I am afraid that UNIPORT has totally overwhelmed it. No University had been able to provide such state-of-art facilities immediately before the Games”, admitting that UNIPORT has impressed the contingents as far as facilities are concerned.
Sir Okorie expressed gratitude to the Governor of Rivers State, Sir (Dr) Peter Odili for forming a huge pillar of support to Uniport through massive financial intervention, urging the Federal Government to emulate Dr. Odili's example.
He assured that UNIPORT 2004 would be violence-free, disclosing that the NUGA Council had already impressed it on the athletes that it would not brook indiscipline from anybody. Sir Okorie said that NUGA Council has banned drum-playing Supporter's Club which he said usually initiated violence and disruption of scheduled events in the past.

Uniport Captain Speaks

The Captain of Team UNIPORT, Awoala Gogo-Peters has again reassured that the athletes will not allow other Universities to relegate UNIPORT to the second position at the 20th NUGA Games.
Speaking exclusively to NUGA News Special shortly before she won the first silver medal for UNIPORT in the 100 metres Huddle race, Captain Gogo-Peters disclosed that the Team is ready to fend off all opposition to emerge tops, adding that she and her colleagues are in a high spirit.
“We are charged up and we are winning no matter the opposition from any quarters,” she declared, adding that the experience they had during their camping would aid their quest for victory. She said that athletes from other institutions are very impressed with the standard facilities in place for the Games, stressing that she is very proud to be part of the contingent of the University of Port Harcourt to the 20th NUGA Games.
The Captain advised the contingent to go for gold in all events, pointing out that discipline has been very high so far, even as she promised that no scandals will befall Team UNIPORT during the Games.

UNN Lobbies for Host

As the 20th edition of the NUGA Games entered its 4th day, bidders for the 21st edition have started emerging. Among the hotest contenders for the right to host the Games in 2006 is the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. A statement from the Director of Sports of the University, Godwin N. Ogbobe, who gave a five point reason why the University deserves to host the Games said that it was capable of organizing a successful competition that will be befitting of the millennium Games, as the University has the men and materials available for the sports fiesta. He stressed that it is the most qualified University to host the next edition of the Games after UNIPORT.
The statement further added that being the only University in Nigeria that can boast of five (5) Alumi who are currently State Governors, who he claimed are all ready to support the Institution, nothing short of a successful Games should be expected of the University in 2006 if given the hosting rights.
NUGA News Special will bring you more details of the UNN bid and the uphill task the institution faces in convincing the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and the NUGA Council.

Coach Dakoru Reassures

The athletics Coach of the University of Port Harcourt, Mr. B. S. Dakoru, has assured that Team Uniport would do the University proud on the medals table at the end of the competition. Speaking exclusively to NUGA News Special yesterday, Coach Dakoru said that Track and Field Events are now in full gear, assuring that all identified bottle-necks have been taken care off.
He said that other contingents are very impressed with the Olympic-standard facilities put in place by the authorities of the University of Port Harcourt for the fiesta pointing out that the only way
adding that the experience they had during their camping would aid their quest for victory. She said that athletes from other institutions are very impressed with the standard facilities in place for the Games, stressing that she is very proud to be part of the contingent of the University of Port Harcourt to the 20th NUGA Games.
The Captain advised the contingent to go for gold in all events, pointing out that discipline has been very high so far, even as she promised that no scandals will befall Team UNIPORT during the Games.

Have you been enjoying the free food, at the Dr. Peter Odili Free Feeding Centre? Don’t complain that the process is time-consuming. Simply go to the Convocation Arena and queue up in an orderly manner for your choice meal. It is all about the traditional five-star Rivers hospitality we promised you at the onset. Enjoy yourself and let’s spoil you a little. After all Odili has promised to feed you free even at the next NUGA.

ATBU Team Praises Uniport Facilities
... Advises On Feeding Formula

The authorities of the University of Port Harcourt have been commended over the level of preparations for the NUGA Games.
This commendation was made by the Dean of Student Affairs of the Abuabkar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Dr. Auwalu Uba, in an interview with NUGA News Special.
Dr. Uba, who is also the Chairman of Sports of the Institution, said that as soon as his team arrived the University, it saw a well-organised setting befitting a University, adding that the authorities have really utilized the opportunity of hosting NUGA to put up good structures. He said that what he saw on ground indicate that the University is one of the top ranking institutions in terms of sporting facilities.
On the gesture of the Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili to feed all duly accredited athletes; the Dean said that it was the first of its kind in the history of NUGA, hoping that other governors would emulate the gesture. Dr. Uba however suggested that the service should be modified to ensure that athletes do no miss their games while waiting for food. He said that it would be proper if the food is served according to Universities based on the number of contingents.
The 51-man Team of ATBU consists of 41 athletes and 10 officials. In a related development, The Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University has promised to clinch as many gold medals as possible. Speaking with NUGA News Special, the Badminton/Tennis Coach of the Team, Egnr. A. A. Fachway said that “going by the quality of training we have had, we are very hopeful that we are here for victory”, adding that since they arrived on Monday the team had settled down for the Games.
The Team said they were impressed at the level of hospitality meted out to them at the Aminu Kano Hall where they first camped on arrival. The University will be featuring in Badminton, Tennis, Basketball, Taekwando, Judo, Chess and Track and Field Events.

Medical Sub-Committee Briefs Media On HIV/AIDS

The Medical and sanitation Sub-Committee briefed the media on the Students Friendly Centre located in the Delta Park campus of the University. Addressing a crowded media conference at the University Theatre last Friday, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nimi D. Briggs, said that the Institution placed “very high premium on the reproductive health of young people who are at great risk of contracting HIV/AIDS in their process of unprotected sexual interaction”.
Professor Briggs said that the Centre is a collaborative project between the United Nations Fund for Population Activities, the National Action Committee against AIDS (NACA) and ECOBANK, adding that the Centre would redefine the way Nigeria Youths relate to themselves.
He urged the athletes to take away friendship, togetherness and national pride as Nigeria of tomorrow depends on youths.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Professor Mark Anikpo, assured that the initial procedural difficulties experienced by the visiting contingents have been sorted out, hoping that the athletes would enjoy the Games. The Chairman also assured that all potential trouble-spots have been take care of, adding that security forces are on the highest level of alert to nip any crisis in the bud.
The UNFPA Country Representative whose address was ready by Mr. Bankale expressed delight at the collaborative project, hoping that the NUGA Games would be used as a multi-dimensional approach to the mobilization of youths against HIV/AIDS and allied social vices.
He described youth as a critical mass of the population that symbolize the country’s future.
The Centre, Mr. Bankale said would empower youths through education and the provision of information that can offer them protection.
Also speaking, the President of the Students Union, Miss Adaugo Ehioju, welcomed the athletes to the University of Port Harcourt and advised girls against engaging in unprotected sexual activities.

Scenes to Remember

More Pictures In The NUGA Album