Rivers Civil Service To Raise Standing Football Team

Rivers State Civil Service is poised to raise a standing football team that would fly its flag in regional and national competitions.
This was disclosed yesterday at the Sharks FC Stadium by the Head of Service, HOS, Barrister Samuel LongJohn during the formal opening ceremony of the 5th edition of the HOS football cup competition and other sporting events lined up as part of the 2013 Civil Service Week in the state.
The Head of Service said that outstanding players would be identified from the various ministries participating in the competition and harnessed into  a unit to represent the service.
Before taking the ceremonial kick of before the second round match between the Ministries of Justice and their Transport counterpart, the HOS described the sports competitions as a way of spicing up the civil service week celebration and encouraging public servants to imbibe the culture of engaging in regular exercises.
He noted that whether one is actively taking part in the event or participating indirectly, there are benefits for all that would rejuvenate them for better output at work.
He also noted that it would have been better for all ministries, departments and Agencies (MDAS) in the state to have been involved rather than the 22 that registered.
Barrister LongJohn therefore enjoined all Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments to ensure that all their staff take part in the games by making budgetary provisions.
He further advised all participants and supporters to compete in the spirit of fairness and sportsmanship.
In addition to the football competition, other events introduced to enable more workers take part in the games include, 100 metres sprint and 4×100 metres relay races for males and females.
In the two second round matches decided yesterday, Ministry of Justice stopped Ministry of Transport, who had claimed the scalp of defending champions, Ministry of Power in the first round, by a lone goal.
It was a keenly contested tie that saw the Justice team edge out the transporters.
Afterwards, Ministry of Health, parading a relatively young team ended the hopes of Ministry of Housing courtesy of a comprehensive 3-1 victory.