Rivers Set To Host Memorable Public Service Games

The Rivers State Government says it is ready to host more than 10,000 athletes from across the federation as part of its contribution to national integration and sports development.

The Secretary to the State Government and Co-Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the 43rd Public Service Games being hosted by Rivers State, Dr Tammy Danagogo expressed this commitment in Port Harcourt at a press conference on Friday, November 1.

Dr. Danagogo acknowledged that Governor Siminalayi Fubara approved that the games be held in Rivers State and that all necessary facilities needed to ensure a seamless and memorable event from November 27th-December 5th, 2024 were undergoing finishing touches.

According to him, “We are ready to get every necessary facility ready to ensure we organise and host a seamless and superlative games in Rivers State.

“The game, christened ‘Simplified Rivers 2024’, will hold from Wednesday, 27th November to Thursday 5th December, 2024. It is expected that athletes and officials will start arriving from 25th and 26th November, and the Games will start on Wednesday, 27th."

On behalf of Governor Fubara, he thanked the Federation of Public Service Games and the civil servants in the State for coming together to see that sports is brought to the fore in the lives of public servants and for allowing Rivers to host the games for the second time.

“Sports as we all know, is a win-win for all. It is a win for us as a State, everyone that is coming, and the ripple effects of economic benefits to our people. Being a public servant himself, the Governor knows the benefits and derivable from the games and he wants all public servants in the State and Nigeria to take advantage of the opportunity to be winners.

“We assure you that we will bring to bear the usual Rivers hospitality when the athletes arrive. You should be looking forward to a very hospitable environment, top notch facilities, secured environment to freely express yourselves, compete and be winners all through,” he stressed.

He disclosed that the Adokiye Amiesimaka Sports Complex, Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Sharks Stadium, and Alfred Diette Spiff Civic Centre as well as Port Harcourt Club will be venues for the various games. 

Also speaking, Head of the Rivers State Civil Service and Co-Chairman of the Public Service Games, Dr. George Nwaeke, encouraged civil servants in the state who have volunteered to participate in the games to make Rivers proud by excelling in their various events. 

He observed that by hosting the games, the State Government has demonstrated its commitment to "national growth and development, staff welfare, team building, unity and collaboration as well as stress relief and work-life balance for civil servants."  

According to him, “This event ushers in new opportunities for our State. The economic benefit is huge. Imagine 10,000 athletes having breakfast in Rivers State. Both small and medium scale businesses will benefit from this event. It also ushers in social cohesion by fostering unity amongst civil servants from diverse cultures and promote a healthy lifestyle."

The President of the Federation of Public Service Games, Comrade Aloku Amaebi, disclosed that about 10,000 athletes and officials are expected to participate in the games and will provide opportunity for Rivers civil servants to interact with colleagues from the federal level.

He said, “Thank you for hosting the games for the second time. We are expecting up to 10,000 athletes and officials to participate in 16 games such as all board games, swimming, football, tennis and volleyball in both male and female categories with para-events in dart and tennis.”

The media briefing was also attended by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Senibo Joe Johnson and other members of the planning committee.

Juliana Masi

Head, Press Unit

Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

Friday November 1, 2024.