The 42nd edition of the Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA) opens in Minna, the Niger state capital with an appeal to government at all levels, individuals and cooperate organizations to take invest in sports development.
The Niger state Governor Rt. Hon Umar Mohammed Bago made the call in Minna on Thursday when he declared open, this year’s edition of the Federal civil service games.
The Governor who was represented by the Speaker of the state house of assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkindaji said that investment in sports development will go along way to addressing most challenges facing the country and therefore become very necessary for government at all levels to pay special attention to development of sports.
He disclosed that it was in that realization that his administration has taken deliberate steps towards providing world class sporting facilities across the state, beginning with the renovation and upgrade of the abandoned Bako Kontagora memorial stadium complex.
This he pointed out was the determination of the administration to create an environment where youths especially the athletes can thrive and achieve their full potentials.
He hinted that his government has commenced the construction of the second phase of Ahmadu Bahago Sports Complex currently hosting the FEPSGA, stressing that “the expansion will accommodate various indoor sporting activities.
The governor reminded the participants in the games that the Federal civil service games goes beyond sports but an avenue for national integration where people of different backgrounds come together to compete for trophies in a healthy and secured environment to foster a culture of brotherhood and sportsmanship.
Earlier the Head of Service of the Federation, Folashade Yomi Esan said the essence of the annual civil service games is about the wellness and wellbeing of the civil servants in the country, adding that it is not all about winning medals and trophies.
She urged the participants to take the games serious as sports has now become a multi-billion Naira venture all over the world.
Also in his goodwill message at the occasion, the former Minister of sports and youths development, Solomon Dalong, said that investment in sports will go along way in addressing the security challenges facing the country, stressing that “if we invest in sports we will have successes in addressing about 50 percent of our security challenges in this country.
The three days turnament will end on Saturday.