The Rivers State Government has announced its readiness to welcome athletes from the 36 states of the Federation for the 43rd Annual Public Service Games.
The games, titled “Simplified Rivers Games 2024,” are expected to take place from November 27 to December 5, 2024, at five venues within Port Harcourt, the state capital, and Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo, disclosed this at a news briefing in his office in Port Harcourt on Friday.
Danagogo addressed the media alongside the President of the Federation of Public Service Games, Aloku Amaebi, and the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, who is also the State Head of Service, Dr George Nwake.
Speaking further, the SSG stated that the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has granted approval for the games to be hosted and assured that the state would provide a memorable and successful tournament.
He listed the venues for the games as the Alfred Diette-Spiff Civic Centre, Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt Club, and Yakubu Gowon Stadium, all located in Port Harcourt and nearby Obio/Akpor LGA.
Danagogo added, “No doubt the state is ready to host the Public Service Games. His Excellency has granted his approval for these games to be held in Rivers State, and by the grace of God, we are prepared to host them.
“His Excellency has asked me, on his behalf, to thank both the Federation at the national level and our civil servants for coming together to bring sports to the fore.”
While noting the importance of the games to the civil service and the nation, the SSG said, “It’s a win-win for us as a state.
“It is a win for everybody participating in the games, and His Excellency, being one of you as he once was (a civil servant), knows the benefits that can be derived from these games for the civil servants, Rivers State, and, of course, Nigeria as a whole.”
He further assured the Federation of the state’s hospitality and the safety of the athletes and other visitors.
Speaking, the FEPSGA President, Aloku Amaebi, said the public service game is a major sporting event in the country and commended the Rivers State Government for agreeing to host the games for the second time, having previously hosted it under former Governor Dr Peter Odili.
Amaebi disclosed that about 10,000 athletes and officials are expected to take part in the event, pointing out that the benefits of the games for the state are enormous.
According to him, “We expect over 10,000 athletes, officials, and dignitaries to participate in the 43rd Annual Public Service Games, with around 16 games being contested, including all the ball events.
“Rivers State will be hosting, and it will be a great win for the state in terms of commerce, hospitality, trade, and socio-economic activities.”
He listed some of the games as football, volleyball, tennis, table tennis, badminton, chess, and scrabble, among others, to be contested by males and females, adding that a few para events have been introduced for persons with disabilities.
Amaebi noted that previously, the core civil service was denied the opportunity to showcase their talents in sports due to the existing structure, while other services like the military and paramilitary enjoyed such opportunities. He assured that talents discovered during the games would be encouraged to pursue their careers both locally and internationally.
The FEPSGA President expressed confidence in the capacity of Rivers State to host memorable games, saying, “From what I’m seeing on the ground, I think they are at the final stage of preparations.”
Earlier, the LOC Chairman for the games and Rivers State Head of Service, Dr George Nwaeke, reiterated the state’s readiness for the games, stating that work is ongoing in all the centres to provide a facelift.
Nweke highlighted other benefits of the games to the state and country, including networking, promoting the general well-being of civil servants, increased productivity, a boost in the state’s commercial activities, and the creation of informal employment opportunities during the event.
He stated that with his approval to host the games in the state, Governor Fubara has demonstrated his support for national development.