The Federal Government, on Tuesday, flagged off an annual sports fiesta, Federal Education Sector Games (FEDUGAM), to promote unity, friendship, and synergy among stakeholders.
The Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, flagged off the 4th edition of FEDUGAM in Bauchi.
Sununu, who was represented by Alhaji Isa Abubakar, Director, ICT, Federal Ministry of Education, said that the event was aimed at promoting stakeholders’ synergy both at the national and sub-national levels.
He said that the annual sports fiesta was to provide an avenue for participants to be active, 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 strata of the society.
“It builds bridges across various divides, while it has evolved to build peace and resolve conflicts.
“Sports has also become a source of economic empowerment for both the young and the old, depending on the side of the table,” he said.
According to him, the game is to serve as a binding force and not to create disharmony or disaffection among 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 costs,” he said.
The Minister appreciated Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State for hosting and supporting the funding of the six-day event.
Also speaking, the Bauchi State governor said that the event was an annual exercise where all agencies and departments under the Ministry of Education come together to participate in various games.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Aminu Gamawa, the governor said that the objective was not to win medals alone but also to build unity and cooperation.
“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 physical and mental wellbeing, as well as productivity,” he said.
The Bauchi State Commissioner for Education, Dr Jamila Dahirua, said that the doors of the ministry would always be opened for partnership with the Federal Government on matters relating to education sector reforms.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the games to be played in the sports fiesta include football, volleyball, table tennis, chess, scrabble, march past, long jump, badminton, basketball, and sprinting.
