…As FIRS emerges tops in march-past
By: Felix Ikpotor
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has called on participants at the ongoing Federal Public Service Games, FEPSGA, taking place in Port Harcourt to look beyond the quest to win laurels to building bridges of friendship and community.
Fubara gave the charge while welcoming the over 8,000 athletes and officials at the official opening ceremony of the games on Sunday at the Sharks Stadium in Port Harcourt.
Represented by his Deputy, Ngozi Nma Odu, the governor assured the participants of the state’s commitment to providing a secure and conducive environment throughout the duration of the games.
Fubara noted that the games brings together contestants from across Nigeria to compete in the spirit of unity and camaraderie, urging them to enjoy the peace, hospitality, and rich cultural heritage of Rivers.
He said, “It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to the 43rd edition of the Public Service Games codenamed Simplified Rivers Games 2024 here in Port Harcourt.
“Sports has the power to change the world, it has the power to unite the people in a way that nothing else does. Today we gather to celebrate the power of sports to unite, inspire and transform us.
“As you compete in the various events, I urge you to remember that the true spirit of FEPSGA goes beyond winning medals. It is about building bridges of friendship, fostering a sense of community and celebrating our diversity.
“So I encourage you to give your very best to support one another and to embody the values of fairplay, sportsmanship and excellence.”
Also speaking, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoSF), Mrs. Esther Didi Walson-Jack, commended the Rivers State government for hosting the event.
Walson-Jack, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani, urged all participants to exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship nd fairplay in the games.
She also urged them to build relationships from the games.
“I thank the governor of Rivers Sir Siminialayi Fubara for his warm hospitality and determination to host this games. Your dedication to promoting sports and fostering unity is commendable and we are deeply appreciative of your effort in making this gathering a reality.
“Organising an event of this scale requires a lot of dedication, foresight with an exceptional teamwork, which you have deliberately handled and given us a beautiful event as this. Your hard work has created an environment where participants can strive and we are truly grateful for that.
“My appreciation to the FEPSGA EXCO and the director overseeing the service welfare organisations of the civil service for your steadfast dedication in sustaining this remarkable tradition for over four decades.
“To all participants, I urge you to approach this game with enthusiasm, fairness and a spirit of integrity and brotherhood. While competing is important, the true essence of this game lies in the relationship we build, the network we foster and the shared pride we take in serving our nation.
“Whether you live with a medal or not, your participation reflects the dedication and passion that makes public service truly extraordinary.
As we gather here in Port Harcourt under the theme, Simplified Rivers Games 2024, let this event be a reminder of the unity and strength that defines us as public servants and as a nation,” she said.
Earlier, the President of the Federation of Public Service Games, Mr Amaebi Aloku, expressed gratitude to Governor Fubara and the people of Rivers State for their generosity and enthusiasm in hosting the event.
He emphasised the significance of the games in fostering national unity and healthy relationships among public servants noting that Rivers State has joined the league of nations that has hosted the games twice as it had earlier hosted in 2006 during the tenure of former Governor, Peter Odili.
He specifically stated that Fubara’s interest in uplifting the welfare of workers in the state informed the decision to cede the hosting right to Rivers State.
Meanwhile, in the march-past event at the morning ceremony, Federal Inland Revenue Service , FIRS, cliched the first position and went away with a giant trophy beaten the Ministry of Works and Agriculture to second and third positions respectively.
