FEDERAL MINISTRY OF FINANCE PRESENTS AWARD TO FEPSGA 2022 GOLD WINNERS
The Federal Ministry of Finance has presented awards to sports staff who worn medals at the Federation Public Service Games (FEPSGA)2022 which took place at Jos, Plateau State.
The presentation of awards and the re-opening of the Gymnastics Arena took place at the Ministry’s Auditorium on Tuesday September 29,2023.
The Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Finance, Aliyu Ahmed, who chaired the event said as an ardent sports lover, he places priority on supporting activities of the Ministry’s staff because he believes in the positive correlation of keeping fit through exercise and the wellbeing of the staff.
Aliyu noted , “Health is Wealth” hence, our healthiness results in our productivity vice-vasa. He noted that FEPSGA is invaluable and goes beyond physical fitness and agility among workers as it brings together people of different cultures and diversities in a rules based environment.
Aliyu emphasized that sports and fitness are essential to achieving an efficient and effective Public Service, since a healthy and motivated workforce is critical to the implementation of policies of government.
He congratulated the athletes for making the Ministry proud with the unprecedented medals table as the Ministry won medals in table tennis, athletics, chess and swimming.
Aliyu said it was customary for the athletes to be decorated with their medals and presented with price monies as a way of reward for their hard work and dedication to ensure that the Ministry was listed on the Plateau 2022 medals table.
He added that this kind gesture would spur others to do better and ensure that the next games coming up at Abeokuta, Ogun State, in October, 2023 was successful.
He appreciated the Finance Sports Club Executive for exemplary leadership and effective co-ordination of the Ministry’s sporting activities.
He urged them to keep the flag flying high as they collaborate with management in playing the pivotal role of ensuring that Federal Ministry of Finance Sports Club members and by extension the Ministry’s staff attain higher and desirable level of well-being.
The Permanent Secretary Special Duties Federal Ministry of Finance,Mr. Okokon Udo assured that the Federal Public Service Games ( FEPSGA) has come to stay as an annual event since its establishment in 1980.
He added that it has remained a veritable tool and platform to strengthen the bond of friendship, physical and mental health of Public Servants in the sporting clubs of Ministries, Extra Ministerial Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the Federal Public Service. We can notice hardwork, enterprise, unity and mutual help in the process of sports activities in the course of inter-MDAs competitions.
Udo also added that the old Ministry’s Gymnastics Arena has been modified to meet up with modern standards while urging all staff of the Ministry to take advantage of the gymnastic equipment to help them keep fit while at work because it promotes a healthy living and enhance effectiveness on duty.
Earlier in her address, the Director Human Resource Management Federal Ministry of Finance,Mrs. Omobola Olusola-Dada revealed that the Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA) is one of the core mandates of the Human Resources Management Department that borders on staff welfare, ensuring that staff of the Ministry are involved and excel in sporting activities. It equally provides the Ministry the opportunity to compete with other MDAs for laurels.
She emphasized that for any organization to function optimally, its personnel must be productive and one key means of achieving it, is through sports as part of the goals of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plans (FCSSIP 2021-2025).
She disclosed at the Ministry’s Contingent to the last Games (PLATEAU 2022) five women won medals and three males won medals in different categories: Aisha Musa -Table Tennis,1 Gold , Alima Musa – Table Tennis ( Mixed Double), Amara Rose -Chess (Classic) Bronze, Babalola Olufunke -(Chess Blifze) won Bronze and Stella Itteh -(Athletics Female) Silver, others are: Sports Manager, Chukwujekwe Vincent – (Table Tennis) ,Bronze, Samiu Ayinde and Vincent ( Table Tennis Double), Bronze.
The award winning and medals presentations ceremony was graced by the Permanent Secretary Finance, Mr. Aliyu Ahmed, Permanent Secretary Special Duties Finance, Mr. Okokon Udo , Directors of the Ministry, the President of the Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA),Mr. Aloku Amiebi the awardees and members of staff of the Ministry.
Stephen Kilebi
Director (Press & Public Relations)
September 20, 2023.