By Joy Salami
In a thrilling display of sportsmanship, the Head of Service football team emerged victorious by a lone goal against the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) side in a friendly football match played in commemoration of the 2025 Kogi State Civil Service Week.
The keenly contested novelty match held at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja , drew cheers from sports enthusiasts and civil servants alike who came to cheer both teams.
Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Anyebe, congratulated the winners and praised both teams for their display of skill, passion, and unity.
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He congratulated the Head of Service team for winning this year’s Civil Service novelty match, adding that “from the energy and enthusiasm on display, it’s clear that Kogi is a sport-loving state. This event shows that our civil servants are not only fit and healthy but also united in spirit.”
Anyebe noted that the Ministry has been deliberate in promoting fitness and social bonding among government workers through regular sporting activities.
“This is about the second or third novelty match we are witnessing. We also had aerobics sessions for civil servants earlier this year. All these have happened within just seven months. Moving forward, we plan to organise more sporting competitions across the state because we are committed to keeping our people engaged and healthy”, he added.
Head of Service, Dr. Elijah Evinemi, described the match as a fun-filled way to foster unity and camaraderie among civil servants.
According to him, “this game between the office of the Head of Service and the SSG’s office staff is a way to relax, bond, and enjoy ourselves in the spirit of celebration. Some of our senior civil servants really surprised us with their energy today”,
He revealed that plans are already underway to introduce inter-ministerial sporting competitions, not just in football but in other sports as well, to further encourage teamwork, camaraderie, and physical wellness among civil servants.
Head coach of the Head of Service team, Director of Sports and retired referee, Isah Ankpa, emphasised the importance of regular exercise for public servants.
“Sports are an integral part of human life, and civil servants must stay fit to perform their duties effectively. Today’s game was meant to be a friendly novelty match, but you could see the competitive fire in both teams. Next year, we hope to make it even livelier and less aggressive,” Ankpa said.
The hard-fought 1–0 victory secured bragging rights for the Head of Service team until the next edition.
In a colourful post-match ceremony, Dr. Evinemi presented gold medals and the winner’s trophy to the triumphant side, while the SSG team received silver medals in recognition of their spirited performance. Smiles, applause, and photo sessions marked the prize-giving, reinforcing the friendly spirit of the contest.
The novelty match was one of the major sporting highlights of the week-long Civil Service Week celebration, which also featured lectures and other activities honouring the dedication and service of Kogi’s public workforce.
