By Dr. Grace Abidoye & Adaora Adibe
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has commended Nigerian Civil Servants for their dedication to nation-building and fostering unity through sports. He made this known during the opening ceremony of the Federal Public Service Games Association (FEPSGA) Games 2024 on Saturday 1st December, 2024 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
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The FEPSGA Games, an annual event, this being the 43rd edition, is hosted in Port Harcourt, with the theme SIMplified Rivers 2024 , bringing together civil servants from across the country, including the Raw Materials Research and Development Council(RMRDC) to compete in various sports which has grown to symbolize unity and shared purpose.
This year’s edition features competitions in football, athletics, basketball, table tennis, Scrabble , Ayo, and other sports, with participants drawn from ministries, departments, and agencies nationwide.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by the Deputy Governor Rivers State, Prof.(Mrs) Ngozi Mma Odu
While speaking to the large audience of athletes, officials, and dignitaries, highlighted the importance of the games as a platform for promoting physical fitness, teamwork, and camaraderie among civil servants.
The Governor also emphasized his administration’s commitment to sports development in Rivers State, describing it as a tool for showcasing talent, fostering relationships and economic growth amongst others. He said the state is equipped with adequate sports facilities in all the four different sport activities venue : the Shark Stadium, University of Port Harcourt, Alfred Diete -Spiff Civic Centre and Port Harcourt club for a seamless game. He assured participants of the state’s hospitality and logistics throughout the event.
Seated,: RMRDC men basketball team with the Chairman, RMRDC football club, Ms Amina Abdulmalik before the men’s basketball team started their match at the 2024 FEPSGA games in Port Harcourt, Rivers.
Presenting his special address, the chairman of the local organizing committee (LOC) , Dr. George Nweke, Mni, welcomed everyone to the state , while also expressing gratitude to the Governor for providing all necessary resources to host the event. He applauded the governor’s love for civil servants and their welfare. He stated that concerted efforts had been made to ensure the sporting facilities meet international standards. He urged contingents not to just win their games but to make friends and build relationships.
The head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack , who was represented by Dr (Mrs). Ajani giving the remarks applauded the state for hosting the FEPSGA while thanking the governor for prioritizing civil servants welfare, and his dedication, and visionary leadership for celebrating the unifying power of sports. She also emphasized that sport is a critical and vital tool for national development.
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Earlier, in his opening remarks, the President of FEPSGA, Comrade Aloku Amaebi expressed gratitude to the Rivers State Government for agreeing to host the games, noting that the support received has been instrumental in ensuring the event’s success. “Rivers State hosted the game in 2006 during governor Peter Odili’s reign and is hosting again. They have joined league of states that hosted twice clearly showing the testament for love of sport which has helped civil servants have good social interactions . The federation was quiet pleased with Governor for identifying with the need of civil servants,“, he stated.
Mr. Amaebi, said FEPSGA was established in 1980, with the aim of fostering unity and healthy rivalry in sports amongst Federal Public Servants.
He observed that this year’s games will not only showcase talent but also strengthen the bond among civil servants and inclusiveness of those living with disabilities in the sport event.
He appreciated the Local Organizing Committee for a job well done. Stating that the state is fully equipped with state -of -art sports facilities in all the locations where the various sports games activities will hold.
It’s to be recalled that the council has participated in many editions of FEPSGA since it debuted , winning several medals and laurels including trophies in football, basketball, volleyball, Scrabble, Ayo and table tennis.
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