Imbibe The Spirit Of Sportsman.....HoSF Advise Civil Servants

Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan CFR
Head of Civil Service of the Federation delivering her address at the opening ceremony of the 2023 FEPSGA in Minna, Niger state

"This year’s games is quite significant, as we are trying to develop collaboration among MDAs at the work place, as it is important to develop bonds amongst Civil Servants that work in the offices.” Dr Yemi-Esan CFR.

Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoSF) has called on participants at the 42nd edition of the Federal Public Service Games (FEPSGA) to take advantage of the sporting fiesta to develop collaborations and bonds among Ministries, extra-ministerial Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

The Head of Service of the Federation stated that, "this year’s games is quite significant, as we are trying to develop collaboration among MDAs at the work place, as it is important to develop bonds amongst Civil Servants that work in the offices.”

"Bonds that will be created here, will go a long way to make work much easier in the workplace.” She advised.

Dr Esan also called on participants to exhibit discipline which the Civil Service is known for, while encouraging them to take advantage of the various opportunities sports brings to the table by showcasing their hidden talents, as well as build strong relationships among participating teams for overall national development.

The HoSF thanked the Government of Niger State for the state-of-the-art Sports Complex provided for the event. 

Speaker, Niger State House of Assembly and Representative of the Executive Governor of Niger State, Rt Hon Abdulmalik Muhammad Sarkindaji, Esq, with the HOSF, Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan CFR

Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State while declaring open the 10-day sporting event on Thursday, 7th of December, 2023 at the Bahago Sports Complex, Minna thanked the HoSF for the opportunity to host the 42nd edition of the Annual Federal Public Service Games tagged “FEPSGA Games 2023: New Niger.” 

The Governor who commended the leadership of FEPSGA and all participating MDAs for their determination to improve their health and well-being, was represented at the occasion by the Speaker, Niger State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Abdulmalik Muhammad Sarkindaji, Esq.

Former Minister of Sports, Mr Solomon Dalung giving his goodwill message at the occasion.

In his goodwill message, the former Minister of Youths and Sports, Mr. Solomon Dalung, who thanked the Niger state Government for its commitment to sports development, also thanked the HoSF for her enormous support to FEPSGA.  

According to him, "Investing in sports as a tool for crime control will address the numerous crime challenges bedevilling our Nation and upping the Nation’s foreign reserves.

The Director, Occupational Health, Safety and Environment (OHSE-OHCSF), Dr. Comfort Adeosun, in her remarks said that participation in sporting events like FEPSGA builds mental alertness, improves physical fitness, as well as promotes healthy living.

Mr. Aloku Amaebi,
Nat. President, FEPSGA

The National President of FEPSGA, Mr. Aloku Amaebi, in his welcome address disclosed that FEPSGA was established in 1980 with the aim of fostering unity and healthy rivalry in sports amongst Federal Public Servants. He stated that the annual event also promotes commerce, hospitality, industry and tourism.

The President thanked the Government and the good people of Niger State for the generous hospitality and warm reception accorded to the contingents while thanking the state government for realizing the place of sports and the advantages it brings. 

Amaebi who disclosed that the state is hosting the Annual Games for the second time in forty-two years, also commended the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation for the first transformation she has brought to the Civil Service. 

He also thanked her for institutionalizing sports and recreation in the Federal Civil Service with the issuance of a circular directing all MDAs to key into the activities of FEPSGA. 

It could be recalled that the Federal Public Service games is an annual sports event that brings together, the sporting clubs in various MDAs within the Federal Public Service with the aim of enhancing the physical well-being of workers and encourage sportsmanship in the Service.

At the games, the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing came 1st in the March past, Raw Materials Research and Development Council came 2nd, while the Ministry of Interior clinched the 3rd position. 

Over 10,000 contingents drawn from 120 affiliated MDAs’ clubs across the country were featured in the games.

Details of the event was disclosed by the Press release made available and signed by Mohammed Ahmed, Director Communications.