Yola: The 44th Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA) officially began on Thursday in Yola, with emphasis on unity, synergy, and collaboration among Nigeria’s diverse public workforce. The Deputy Governor of Adamawa State, Kaletapwa Farauta, declared the games open, calling for stronger inter-agency cooperation to deepen national integration and strengthen the country’s unity.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Farauta stated that the administration remains committed to using sports to drive economic growth and meaningfully engage youths. She noted that the state had shown capacity to host major national tournaments. Farauta emphasized that sports remain one of the strongest tools for integration, peace, and collective progress, reminding attendees that the Games symbolize unity among the public service.
The successful hosting of the event, Farauta added, further demonstrates Adamawa’s readiness for larger sporting engagements. Hosting over ten thousand athletes showcases the state’s capacity and reinforces its commitment to youth development and social harmony.
President of the Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA), Aloku Amaebi, commended the Adamawa Government for hosting what he described as one of the largest multi-sport gatherings in Nigeria. Amaebi highlighted the turnout as a testament to the resilience of the public service and the improved security situation in the North-East region. He expressed gratitude to Adamawa State for providing a platform for public servants to compete, bond, and showcase unity.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that over the next three days, athletes from 84 MDAs will compete in 16 sports, including volleyball, tennis, handball, basketball, badminton, and football. The Ministry of Works won the march-past event, with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the Federal Inland Revenue Service taking second and third places, respectively.
Abubakar Shehu, the Head of Service and Local Organising Committee (LOC) Chairman of the Games, told NAN that no fewer than 10,000 athletes from over 82 ministries, departments, and agencies are participating in the Games. Shehu added that the Games would strengthen unity in the public service and inspire a renewed commitment to national cohesion.
NAN also reports that Team Information, comprising agencies under the Ministry of Information and National Orientation (FMINO), including NAN and VON, had a strong start on Thursday. They advanced to the round of 16 by defeating their opponents in two straight sets. The male volleyball team defeated the Federal Ministry of Livestock 2-0 (25-6, 25-8), and the female team knocked out the Ministry of Interior 2-0 (25-6, 25-13).
Source: News Agency of Nigeria