We’re ready for 43rd Public Service Games- Rivers govt
By: Felix Ikpotor
The Rivers State Government says it is ready to welcome athletes from all over the country into the state for the 43rd Public Service Games.
The games christened “Simplified Rivers Games 2024,” is expected to hold from 27th November to 5th December, 2024 with five venues already earmarked for the games.
The venues are the Sharks Stadium, Alfred Diette-Spiff Civic Centre, Adokiye Amiesamaka Stadium, Port Harcourt Club and the Yakubu Gowon Stadium.
Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo, while briefing journalists in his office in Port Harcourt in company with Mr Aloku Amaebi, President, Federation of Public Service Games, FEPSGA and the Local Organizing Committee Chairman, Dr George Nwake, said Governor Siminalayi Fubara has granted approval for the games to be hosted and assured that the state would host a memorable tournament.
Danagogo said: “No doubt the state is ready to host the Public Service Games. His Excellency has granted his approval for this game to hold in Rivers State and by the grace of God, we are ready to host the games.
“His Excellency has asked me on his behalf to thank both the Federation at the national level and our civil servants for coming together to see that sports is brought to the fore”.
He said the state understands the importance of the games to the service and the nation stating; “It’s a win for us as a state, it’s a win for everybody that is coming for the games and His Excellency being one of you as he then was, knows the benefit derivable from these games for the civil servants, Rivers State and ofcourse Nigeria as a whole”.
He further assured the federation of the states hospitality during the event.
On his part, FEPSGA President, Aloku Amaebi said the public service games is a major sporting event in the country and commended Rivers State Government for accepting to host the games for the second time having hosted previously under former Governor Peter Odili.
He said atleast 10,000 athletes and officials would be expected to take part in the games saying the benefit of the games is enormous for the state.
“We would be expecting over 10,000 athletes, officials and dignitaries to participate at the games.
“Rivers State would be hosting and it’s going to be a great win for Rivers State in terms of commerce, in terms of hospitality, in terms of trade and also in terms of socio-economic activities,” he said.
Amaebi, noted that before now the core civil service were denied the opportunity to showcase their talents in sports while other services like the military and paramilitary enjoyed same, assuring that talents discovered during the games would be encouraged to pursue their careers both locally and internationally.
He also expressed confidence in the ability of Rivers State to host a memorable games saying; “From what I’m seeing on ground, I think they are at the final stage of preparations.”
Earlier, the LOC chairman for the games and Rivers State Head of Service, Dr George Nwaeke while further stating the states preparedness for the games, disclosed that work are ongoing in all the centres to be used for the games to give them a facelift.
He highlighted other benefits of the games to the state and country to include networking, promoting general wellbeing of civil servants, increased productivity, boost in the states commercial activities and creation of informal employment opportunities within the period.
Games such as football, Tennis, Badminton, volleyball including para-games amongst others are expected to take place during the tournament.
