The efficacy of sports in fostering social integration, collaboration, and synergy among people of diverse backgrounds was again emphasized as the 44th Federation of Public Service Games began in Yola, the Adamawa State capital.
Declaring the games open, the State Deputy Governor, Kaletapwa Farauta, emphasized the need for stronger inter-agency collaboration among public service workers to achieve the goal of one indivisible, sovereign Nigerian State.
The Games which is holding at the Mahmud Ribadu Square, Yola —unarguably the largest sporting gathering in Nigeria, with over ten thousand athletes representing up to 84 MDAs competing for honours, began with the march-past.
The Deputy Governor reiterated the resolve of the present administration to use sports not only as a tool to drive the economy by demonstrating the capacity to host major tournaments of this nature, but also to engage youths meaningfully and keep them away from social vices.
President of the Federation of Public Service Games, Aloku Amaebi, expressed gratitude to the Adamawa State Government for accepting to host the multi-sports event, noting that the North-East region is relatively safe, contrary to the general perception of insecurity.
aitsports.live reports that over the next few days, athletes representing about 84 MDAs will compete in 16 sports, including volleyball, handball, basketball, tennis, badminton, football, and others.
Already, the Ministry of Works has emerged champion of the march-past, beating the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to second place, while the Federal Inland Revenue Service came third.
With the flame of competition now lit, organizers say they are confident that this year’s games will not only strengthen unity within the public service, but also inspire a renewed spirit of national cohesion.
Editor: Ken Eseni
