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.

The Minister of Sports Development Senator John Owan, has congratulated the Senior Women’s National Team, the Super Falcons for edging out Cape Verde 2-1 in their last hurdle in Praia, to claim a 7-1 aggregate win thereby clinching their ticket for the African Women’s Cup of Nations scheduled for Morocco in 2024.

Owan in his congratulatory message to the team, stated that Nigeria is the most successful team in the tournament, winning 9 out of 13 editions of the biennial championship.
The director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga in a statement on Tuesday quoted the minister to have indicated that the Super Falcons had displayed an impressive level of determination and teamwork, securing vital victories during the qualifiers to solidify their place in the prestigious African Women’s Cup of Nations.

The Minister explained further that the Super Falcons had not only shown their remarkable effort in showcasing the nation’s prowess on the continental stage but that their qualification for the African Women’s Cup of Nations is a testament to the dedication and talent of our exceptional players.

He added that their outstanding performance reflects Nigeria’s rich sporting heritage and unwavering commitment to excellence.

The Minister assured of the present administration’s support to women’s football in Nigeria, which he said plays a pivotal role in inspiring young athletes and fostering a culture of inclusivity and sporting prowess across the nation.

He stated that through their hard work and commitment, Super Falcons have not only secured a place in this prestigious tournament but have also inspired a new generation of aspiring female footballers.
“Their success resonates beyond the field, serving as a beacon of hope and empowerment for young women in our country” he said.

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***Urges other private sector investors to embrace initiative

Minister of Sports and Youth Development Senator John Owan Enoh has commended the Management of AfriKing Homes Ltd for the successful completion and handover of the Abuja National Stadium Training Pitch to the Federal Ministry of Sports Development.

The Adopt-A-Pitch initiative was initiated by the former Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare

Senator Enoh during the handover ceremony held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja on Thursday, commended the organization for rehabilitating the training pitch, saying that it was a remarkable achievement not only for the football family but to the development of sports in Nigeria
Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga in a statement quoted the minister to have
urged other private and corporate organizations to follow suit by actively participating in similar ventures under  his expanded ‘Adopt-A-Facility-Initiative’, stating that the new expansion initiative will make room to encompass other sports federations.

The Minister explained that the new initiative was designed to ensure the full implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration which recently endorsed the National Sports Industry Policy (NSIP) approved by the immediate past administration which classified sports as a business and not just a mere recreation.

He added that the Federal Ministry of Sports Development under his watch is ready to collaborate with the private sector organisations using this policy initiative of government to advance sports development in Nigeria.
“The Ministry of Sports Development under my leadership has also committed itself to sustaining the program under which AfriKings Homes undertook this project.
“The only difference is that it is now called Adopt-A-Facility Programme. In the wisdom of the Ministry, a facility encompasses more.
“As we deal with several other sporting federations, we want to ensure the window is open for all federations to thrive.” Senator Enoh said.

The Minister who observed that what Afriking Homes did  is no-easy feat, but that the effort was driven by passion, benevolence, love for the sports and love for the country, stated further that, “The Federal Ministry of Sports Development commends this effort and is proud of Afri Kings Homes Ltd for this gesture.
“It is a partnership that we will continue to nurture for national interest.”

Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary overseeing the Federal Ministries of Sports and Youth Development Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar stated that the Federal Ministry of Sports Development will continue to create an enabling environment for the successful engagement of the corporate and private sector organisations with a view to ensuring the successful development of sports in the country, especially in the areas of grassroots sports and infrastructure upgrade so as to provide job opportunities for our teeming youth, alleviate poverty amongst them in order to foster unity, peace and stability in the nation.

In his remarks, Chairman of AfriKing Homes Ltd, Kingsley James Awodi, highlighted the company’s dedication to the project, stating that the rehabilitation of Practice Pitch 1 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium was part of their corporate social responsibility to support the efforts of the Federal Government in enhancing the nation’s sporting infrastructure.

Awodi assured the Honourable Minister of their unwavering commitment to the maintenance and upkeep of the facility for the next two years.