EMMANUEL NLEWEDUM, Port Harcourt
The Federal Inland Revenue Services, FIRS, has won their first major trophy at the ongoing 43rd Federal Public Service Games, FEPSGA, tagged; Simplified Rivers, 2024 holding in Port Harcourt, capital city of Rivers State.
FIRS emerged overall winner in the match past competition to beat closest rivals, Ministries of Works and Agriculture who clinched the second and third positions respectively, during the official opening ceremony of the 2024 public service games at Sharks Football Stadium, Port Harcourt.
Welcoming the about 10,000 participants of the 43rd FEPSGA to Rivers State, the Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara tasked the athletes and officials to embody the values of fairplay, sportsmanship and excellence throughout the games.
Governor Fubara, represented by his Deputy, Prof. Mrs. Ngozi Nma Odu, urged the participants to look beyond the quest to win medals and building bridges of friendship and community.
He assured the participants of the state’s commitment to providing a secure and conducive environment throughout the duration of the games, urged them to enjoy the peace, hospitality, and rich cultural heritage of Rivers State.
The governor said, “It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to the 43rd edition of the Public Service Games codenamed Simplified Rivers Games 2024 here in Port Harcourt.
“Sports has the power to change the world, it has the power to unite the people in a way that nothing else does. Today we gather to celebrate the power of sports to unite, inspire and transform us.
“As you compete in the various events, I urge you to remember that the true spirit of FEPSGA goes beyond winning medals. It is about building bridges of friendship, fostering a sense of community and celebrating our diversity.
“So I encourage you to give your very best to support one another and to embody the values of fair play, sportsmanship and excellence.”
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoSF), Mrs. Esther Didi Walson-Jack, lauded the Rivers State government for hosting the event.
Walson-Jack, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani, urged all participants to exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play, and also build relationships from the games.
“I thank the governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara for his warm hospitality and determination to host this games. Your dedication to promoting sports and fostering unity is commendable and we are deeply appreciative of your effort in making this gathering a reality.
“Organising an event of this scale requires a lot of dedication, foresight with an exceptional teamwork, which you have deliberately handled and given us a beautiful event as this. Your hard work has created an environment where participants can strive and we are truly grateful for that.
“My appreciation to the FEPSGA executive and the director overseeing the service welfare organisations of the civil service for your steadfast dedication in sustaining this remarkable tradition for over four decades.
“To all participants, I urge you to approach this game with enthusiasm, fairness and a spirit of integrity and brotherhood. While competing is important, the true essence of this game lies in the relationship we build, the network we foster and the shared pride we take in serving our nation.
“Whether you live with a medal or not, your participation reflects the dedication and passion that makes public service truly extraordinary.
As we gather here in Port Harcourt under the theme, Simplified Rivers Games 2024, let this event be a reminder of the unity and strength that defines us as public servants and as a nation,” she said.
Earlier in his remark, FEPSGA President Mr Amaebi Aloku thanked Governor Fubara and Rivers for their generosity and enthusiasm in hosting the event.
He emphasised the significance of the games in fostering national unity and healthy relationships among public servants noting that Rivers State has joined the League of nations that has hosted the games twice as it had earlier hosted in 2006 during the tenure of former Governor, Peter Odili.
He specifically stated that Fubara’s interest in uplifting the welfare of workers in the state informed the decision to cede the hosting right to Rivers State.
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