Rivers to host 43rd Public Service Games – SSG

The Rivers State Government said it is ready to host the 43rd Public Service Games christened “Simplified Rivers Games 2024” from November 27 to December 5, 2024.

Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, while giving updates on the event in  Port Harcourt on Friday, said, Governor Siminalayi Fubara is excited about the tournament and has granted approval for the games to be hosted.

Danagogo said the state understands the importance of the games to the service and the nation which according to him will  usher  in great opportunities 

He said, “The game a win for us as a state, it’s a win for everybody that is coming for the games and His Excellency being one of you as he then was, knows the benefit derivable from these games for the civil servants, Rivers State and of course Nigeria as a whole.”

Accompanied by Mr. Aloku Amaebi, President, Federation of Public Service Games, FEPSGA, and the Local Organizing Committee Chairman, Dr. George Nwake, the  State Head of Service, Danagogo assured all participants the hospitality of the  State.

The FEPSGA President, Amaebi said, the public service games are a major sporting event in the country and commended Rivers State Government for accepting to host the games for the second time having hosted previously under former Governor Peter Odili.

He said at least 10,000 athletes and officials would be expected to take part in the games saying the benefit of the games is enormous for the state.

“We would be expecting over 10,000 athletes, officials and dignitaries to participate at the games,” he said.

“Rivers State would be hosting and it’s going to be a great win for Rivers State in terms of commerce, in terms of hospitality, in terms of trade, and also in terms of socio-economic activities.”

Amaebi noted that before now the core civil service were denied the opportunity to showcase their talents in sports while other services like the military and paramilitary enjoyed the same, assuring that talents discovered during the games would be encouraged to pursue their careers both locally and internationally.

He also expressed confidence in the ability 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, disclosed that work is ongoing in all the centres to be used for the games to give them a facelift.

He highlighted other benefits of the games to the state and country including networking, promoting the general well-being of civil servants, increased productivity, boost in the state’s commercial activities, and creation of informal employment opportunities within the period.

Games such as football, Tennis, Badminton, and volleyball including para-games amongst others are expected to take place during the tournament.

The venues for the events include Sharks Stadium,  Alfred Diette-Spiff Civic Centre, Adokiye Amiesamaka Stadium, Port Harcourt Club, and the Yakubu Gowon Stadium.