By joshua South-south Residents In Kogi Hold Maiden Gov. Ododo Draught, Ayo Competition, Drum Support For Tinubu, Ododo Second Term
Lovers of traditional board games in Lokoja have held the maiden edition of the monthly Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo South-South States Draught and Ayo Competition, using the platform to reaffirm their support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo in 2027.
The tournament, organized for residents around Baptist, Crowther Memorial College and NEPA polling units in Ward A, Lokoja Local Government Area, brought together enthusiasts of the indigenous games in an atmosphere of unity, culture and political engagement.
Speaking at the flag-off, the Special Adviser to the Governor on South-South Mobilisation and President of the South-South States Community in Kogi State, Abu Michael, said the initiative was conceived beyond recreation, as a vehicle to sensitise residents to the policies, programmes and achievements of the APC-led administrations at the federal and state levels.
According to him, draught and Ayo Olopon are more than mere games.
“Draught makes you a strategist, Ayo makes you a calculator. Both sharpen critical thinking, improve concentration, enhance mathematical and problem-solving skills, boost memory and promote social bonding. They also help preserve our rich African cultural heritage, reduce stress and teach patience and sportsmanship,” he said.
Abu Michael noted that the competition was designed to meaningfully engage the people while showcasing the developmental strides recorded under President Tinubu and Governor Ododo.
He said the tournament represents a collective endorsement of continuity by South-South residents in Kogi State, stressing that the Ododo administration has given the community unprecedented recognition and inclusion since the creation of the state.
“This competition is our own way of saying thank you and to declare our total support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo. We have felt inclusion, we have seen development, and we are ready to reciprocate with our votes in 2027,” he declared.
He urged participants to remain united and continue to support the APC-led government for the peace and progress of Kogi State.
The high point of the maiden edition was the presentation of cash prizes to winners who emerged first, second and third in both the draught and Ayo categories. The organisers also presented financial support to the Baptist Draught and Ayo Clubs to strengthen grassroots participation in indigenous games.
Participants commended the initiative for reviving traditional games and blending entertainment with mental development and civic awareness.
Speaking on behalf of the host clubs, Alhaji Sanni Musa thanked the South-South community for the initiative and assured of the clubs’ continued support for the administration of Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo.