No fewer than about 10, 000 delegates from the federal, state and local government civil service will be featuring in different sporting activities during the forthcoming 42nd edition, of the Federal Civil services games scheduled to hold from 4th to 14th of December, 2023 in Niger.
The Head of Civil Service (HoS), Niger state, Alhaji Salisu Abubarkar made the disclosure during an interactive session with the newsmen on the sidelines of the flag-off of the bi-monthly morning exercise which took place at the Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre, Minna, the state capital last Saturday.
It be recalled that several years ago, Niger state used to be among the tops when it comes to winning medals in different sporting events, but the name of the state had since disappeared from the ladder table, this according to the State Head of Service, Salisu Abubakar informed the decision of the state to bid for the hosting of the next civil service games and was graciously approved by the Head of Service of the Federation.
According to him, the hosting rights granted by the Head of Service of the Federation also followed the directives by the State Governor, Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago for the introduction and promotion of the bi-monthly exercise to particularly keep the senior cadre civil servants physically and mentally fit to do their jobs without excuses.
Apart from exercising which is good for health as it will go a long way in keeping the top civil servants alert at all times to respond to the demands of their jobs, the Head of Service said the state is also looking at the socio-economic benefits of hosting the one-week event.
He stated further that while encouraging interested civil servants interested in different sporting activities to prepare for the Civil Service Games, the Head of Service said the state is eager to reclaim its top place in medals winning starting with the forthcoming Civil Service Games.
Salisu who also addressed participants in the 3-kilometre ‘Health Walk’, which kicked- started at Mobil round-about and will be terminated at the Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre, Minna, adding that the exercise will be held simultaneously in five state government facilities within Minna metropolis namely; 1-2-3 quarters old airport road, indoors sports facility, David Mark road Squash Court, Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre open space, the new State Secretariat,Tunga,Minna and the IBB Guest House, Chanchaga area of the city.
The Head of Service gave the names of sporting events delegates will be competing in for medals in various categories to include; Football, Handball, Athletics, Squash, Karate, Judo, Scrabble, Boxing, Badminton, Table Tennis, Chess and Basketball, respectively.
