Speeches

Closing Ceremony Of 28th Annual Public Service Games ‘Eko 2009’

Dec 12, 2009 - I am happy once again, to be here to witness the grand finale of the Annual Public Service Games proudly hosted by our State. During the opening ceremony, I did mention that this event will for a long time remain memorable in the minds of all the participants. And I’m sure that the 10-day event has lived up to that expectation. It must have achieved its purpose of rekindling the spirit of healthy competition and co-operation and helped in sustaining the existing camaraderie among the public servants in the nation.

I’m sure also that many of you especially those who are visiting Lagos for the first time must have enjoyed the warm hospitality of our people. You will go to your respective states with pleasant experiences of what makes Lagos really a megacity; the warmth of the people, the feeling of safety amidst heavy commercial and social activity.

I congratulate all of you that have participated in one spirit at the event. The joy really is in participating not in the winning. I observed that the turn-out this year is impressive and I’m happy at the high level of performance by the athletes and the desire to engage in healthy competition. Most remarkably, the event has been very peaceful, exciting and thrilling. You have all conducted yourselves in the most disciplined and responsible manner in an atmosphere of peace and tolerance.

Our State and our people are passionate about sports. And you will have noticed the excitement of the spectators and fans that came to witness the games. We all appreciate the commercial benefits it offered to our people. It has created commercial opportunities, increase in sales for traders selling around the stadium and brought about better interaction which is good for our country.

I equally appreciate the efforts of the president of the Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA), Sylvester Ikuyamoye and his team for the assistance and cooperation you gave to the Local Organising Committee in organizing a successful fiesta. Your leadership styles have raised and boosted the morale of the athletes. You have shown courage through your determination to host the best games in our State.

I also appreciate the Minister for Sports and Social Development, Engineer Sanni Ndanusa, the Head of Service of the Federation Mr. Stephen Oronsanye and the Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Revd. Yusuf Obaje for their demonstration of love, support and co-operation in making the event a successful and memorable one.

I believe strongly that the games have helped in forging a good relationship among the participants. You have all interacted, made new friends and exchanged ideas of best practices and conduct in the Civil Service. I urge you to continue to see yourselves first as public servants who are still accountable to the public. I want you to go back to your various states and continue to show the same commitment in all the games, in your service to your government.

Once again, I congratulate you. You are all winners. As you travel back to your respective states, I wish you the best of luck, journey mercies back and compliments of the season to you.

Thank you and God bless.

Eko O Ni Baje O!

Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN
Executive Governor,
Lagos State