FEDPOLEL Rector Harps on Unity as Inter-State Football Competition Begins
The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji, Ondo State, Dr. Ademola Iyanda Ebeloku, has underscored the importance of unity, teamwork and character building as the maiden edition of the Dr. Ademola Iyanda Ebeloku Inter-State Unity Cup officially kicked off at the institution’s Sports Complex.
The football tournament, which commenced on Wednesday, is designed to foster sportsmanship, talent discovery and peaceful coexistence among students from different states across the country.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Dr. Ebeloku described the competition as a platform for strengthening bonds among students beyond ethnic and state affiliations, stressing that education should combine academic excellence with leadership and physical development.
According to him, the tournament represents more than just football, noting that it reflects the institution’s commitment to building responsible future leaders through discipline, resilience and mutual respect.
“This competition is more than football. It is about building bridges. It is about showing that beyond our different states of origin, we are one Institution, one Community, and one Nation,” the Rector said.
To encourage participating teams, the Rector announced cash rewards for outstanding performances at the end of the competition, with the first runner-up to receive ₦100,000 while the second runner-up will go home with ₦50,000.
He urged the players to demonstrate passion, discipline and fair play throughout the tournament while projecting the institution positively.
Earlier in his remarks, the Head Coach, Mr. Wale Ogundiran, commended the Rector for prioritising sports development in the Polytechnic and assured participants of a smooth and memorable competition.
The opening match between the National Association of Osun State Students and the National Association of North-Central Students ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Deputy Rector, Dr. Samson Omogbehin; the Registrar, Mr. Gabriel Awe; the Bursar, Mr. Ebenezer Olabode; the Polytechnic Librarian, Dr. Rachael Aladeniyi, as well as Deans, Directors and Heads of Departments.
Other participating teams in the competition are the National Association of Ondo State Students and the Federation of Oyo State Students’ Union. Organisers disclosed that six matches would be played before the final scheduled for July.
