The 44th Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA) officially opened on Thursday in Yola, Adamawa State, with calls for unity, collaboration, and renewed synergy across Nigeria’s public service.
Declaring the Games open, Deputy Governor Kaletapwa Farauta said the event underscores Adamawa’s capacity to host national tournaments and its commitment to using sports for economic growth and youth engagement.
“Sports remain one of the strongest tools for integration, peace, and collective progress,” Farauta said.
FEPSGA President, Aloku Amaebi, commended the Adamawa State Government for hosting one of the country’s largest multi-sport gatherings, describing it as a testament to the resilience of Nigeria’s public servants and the improved security situation in the North-East.
“This hosting is symbolic—it shows that the North-East is open, safe, and ready for national events,” Amaebi said.
Over the next three days, athletes from 84 ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) will compete in 16 sports including football, volleyball, basketball, tennis, and badminton.
The Ministry of Works won the march-past event, followed by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the Federal Inland Revenue Service.
Head of Service and Local Organising Committee Chairman, Abubakar Shehu, said more than 10,000 athletes are participating, adding that the Games would foster national unity and stronger public service bonds.
