The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Education, on Tuesday, flagged off the annual sports fiesta in Bauchi state for the workforce of all agencies under the ministry to enhance productivity.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of of the fourth edition of the Federal Education Sector Games (FEDUGAM) in Bauchi, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, the Minister of State for Education, said the sports fiesta was to promote unity, friendship and synergy among the stakeholders within the national and sub-national.
Represented by Alh. Isa Abubakar, Director, ICT, Federal Ministry of Education Headquarters, Sununu said the annual sports games was also to provide an avenue for participants to be active, remain physically fit and mentally alert for efficiency and higher productivity.
“The game is also instructive of the alliance between Sports and Education, which have immense value on the entire stratas of the society,he stated, adding that “It builds bridges across various dividers, while it has evolved to building peace and resolving conflicts.
“Sports has also become a source of economic empowerment to both young and old depending on the side of the table,” he said.
According to him, the game was to serve as a bounding force and not to create disharmony or disaffection among participating participants.
“In other words, fair-play is the key word. It is not a do-or-die encounter, as participation is considered more important than the urge to Win-at-all-cost,” he said.
He appreciated Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state for hosting and supporting the funding of the six-day event.
Also speaking, the governor said that the event is an annual exercise where all agencies and departments under the ministry come together to participate in various games.
Represented by Alh. Aminu Gamawa, the Chief of Staff to the Bauchi state government, Mohammed added that the objectives were not to win medals alone but to bring unity and cooperation among them.
“It is also aimed at improving the efficiency and productivity level of staff for the general growth of the service and of the country at large.
“It is a well known fact that engaging in sporting activities and exercise improves one’s physical and mental as well as productivity,” said the governor.
In her address, Dr Jamila Dahiru, the state Commissioner for Education, said that the door of the ministry would always be open for partnership with the federal government in anything that would enhance the productivity of staff and reform the education sector in the country.
Some of the games to be played by the participants in the sports fiesta includes; football, volleyball, table tennis, Chess, scrabble, march past, long jump, badminton, basketball and sprinting among others. END
