Sports
Public Service Games: 12,000 Athletes, Others Expected In Bayelsa
No fewer than 12,000 athletes, officials and dignitaries would be expected to storm Bayelsa State to grace the 39th edition of the Annual Public Games billed to kick off next month in the state.
The National President of the Federation of Public Service Games/(FEPSGA) organisers of the games, Comrade Aloku Amaebi dropped the hint yesterday in a telephone interview with Tidesports.
According to Amaebi, the athletes and officials will be drawn from the various ministries departments, agencies and parastatals in a the country.
Speaking further, Comrade Amaebi, who is an indigene of Bayelsa State maintained that the Head of Service of the Federation and pillar of sports in public service of Nigeria, Dr. Folashade Yemi Esan, who also doubles as patron of the organising body will be among the dignitaries’ on the economic importance of the national sport event.
“This will provide a veritable platform to showcase the natural endowments of the people of Bayelsa State to the rest of the world. It will also promote the state, create ready market and patronage for the state as well as advance the image of the state as indeed the glory of all land,” Amaebi said.
On the formal request to the Bayelsa State Government to host this edition of the annual sports competition for public servants in Nigeria, Comrade Amaebi maintained that efforts are on to persuade the Douye Diri’s administration to host the games.
He recalled that in 2010, the 29th edition of the games was hosted by the Honorable Patrick Yakowa led administration in Kaduna State, stressing that it helped to open up the local economics of the state.
Meanwhile, the letter to the Governor requesting him to host the historic games sighted by Tidesports source read in parts: “Your Excellency is therefore, requested to sponsor this year’s games scheduled for December, 2020 by assisting the federation with funding and provision of the followings: sports facilities, accommodation for invited dignitaries, security, provision of ambulance and other medical services.”
In the meantime, Ekiti, Kaduna, Cross River and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja are competing to host the 39th edition of the games.
The National President assured the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State that the organising body will adhere strictly to the COVID-19 protocols.
The National Division One and Division Two Volleyball Leagues organised by the Volleyball Federation of Nigeria and sponsored by Alex Otti has kicked off in Umuahia, Abia State.
The Championship features 34 teams from across the country, with about 22 States already participating in activities lined up for the ten-day event.
Addressing journalists at the Umuahia Stadium, the Referee Coach for the tournament and Vice Chairman Nigerian Volleyball Referees Association, Mohamed Mohamed, assured of fair officiating in the competition and advised the athletes to be more disciplined in the field of play, saying that volleyball is known to be a disciplined sport.
He also commended Governor Alex Otti for sponsoring the tournament for the second time.
“Last year, we were here, and we so appreciate the Abia State Government for sponsoring such a competition. The same thing happened this year too, we are here again.
The Coordinator, Lagos Women Run, Tayo Popoola, has stated that the All Women 10km Race aims to connect through their communities, while creating empowerment opportunities.
The 10th edition with the theme: “One Run, a thousand Opportunities,” will come up on the November 8th, 2025, with the start point at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere and end at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena, Onikan.
This year’s edition of the Lagos Women Run marks a significant milestone, celebrating the program’s journey, the vibrant city of Lagos, and the incredible women who have been part of it since its inception.
It will focus more on empowering women, acknowledging their dedication, and ensuring the program’s sustainability by providing participants with opportunities they deserve.
Popoola added that the race has achieved remarkable success in making women happy and uncovering talents, serving as a platform for participants to train for bigger road races, which fosters a strong sense of community, allowing women of all ages to connect, network, and celebrate themselves.
The event’s non-discriminatory nature makes it a level playing ground, open to everyone regardless of social status, by promoting general well-being among women.
The Franco-Malian tactician made the bold declaration whilst speaking to Nigerian legend Segun Odegbami on 90 Minutes with Mathematical on Eagle7FM on Saturday, expressing gratitude to fans for their support.
“Thanks to the fans. Thanks to Nigeria. I am so happy that I have brought back the smiles on their faces,” Chelle said.
“We beat Benin because the fans pushed the players. I ask them this: They have to do this (for the playoffs)… I plan to do my best for Nigeria, and Inshallah, we will go to the FIFA World Cup.”
Chelle, who took charge of a struggling Nigerian side in January, has transformed the team’s fortunes after inheriting a squad on the brink of disaster. Nigeria were winless in their first four qualifiers, with three draws and one defeat threatening to derail another World Cup dream.
Under his leadership, the Super Eagles rallied to win four and draw two of their last six games, collecting 14 points from a possible 18. The highlight came earlier this month in Uyo, where Nigeria swept past Benin Republic 4-0 in a statement victory that reignited national belief.
However, the revival was not enough to seal automatic qualification. Nigeria finished among the four best runners-up in Africa and must now navigate a continental playoff in November for a spot in next March’s intercontinental tie.
The first challenge is a one-legged showdown with Gabon, with Cameroon or DR Congo potentially waiting beyond.
Chelle’s message to his players was uncompromising, saying, “Qualifying for the FIFA World Cup is not a war, but it is like a war… My players need to have a warrior state of mind… They have to be like sharks.”
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