By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
The atmosphere at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, came alive with colour, excitement and camaraderie as civil servants across Delta State converged for the grand match past and final football tournament, one of the major highlights of the 2026 Civil Service Week celebration.
The event, which attracted top government officials, heads of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), and hundreds of civil servants, showcased not only athletic talent but also the unity, discipline and team spirit that define the Delta State Public Service.
Declaring the event open, the Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Mininim Oseji, expressed delight at the massive turnout and enthusiasm displayed by workers throughout the week-long celebration, describing the sporting fiesta as a fitting platform for recreation, relaxation and social interaction among public servants.
According to her, civil servants had long yearned for opportunities to engage in recreational and sporting activities outside the demands of official duties, a desire that was evident in the overwhelming participation recorded in both indoor and outdoor games organised as part of the Civil Service Week programme.
Dr. Oseji noted that the various sporting events had provided workers with a healthy avenue to unwind, improve their physical wellbeing and foster stronger bonds across ministries and agencies.
She emphasized that beyond competition, sports remain a powerful tool for promoting teamwork, discipline, resilience and healthy living, values that are equally essential in public service delivery.
The Head of Service attributed the success of the sporting activities and the entire Civil Service Week celebration to the unwavering support of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, whom she commended for approving and promptly releasing the necessary funds for the programmes.
She said the governor’s support demonstrated his commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of civil servants and his appreciation of the critical role they play in driving government policies and programmes.
In a light-hearted moment that drew cheers from the crowd, Dr. Oseji remarked that the activities had afforded workers the opportunity to “play like children and young adults again,” prompting participants to applaud the governor’s support for the initiative.
The Head of Service also paid glowing tribute to members of the organising committee and officials who worked behind the scenes to ensure the seamless planning and execution of the games.
She commended their dedication and sacrifice, noting that their efforts contributed significantly to the success of the event.
The colourful match past by various ministries, departments and agencies added glamour to the occasion as participants marched in coordinated formations, proudly displaying the identity and spirit of their respective establishments. The spectacle reflected the diversity, strength and collective purpose of the Delta State Public Service.
The football final, which followed the ceremonial parade, provided thrilling moments for spectators as competing teams battled for honours amid loud cheers from supporters. The tournament underscored the growing recognition of sports as an important component of employee wellness and productivity.
Observers noted that the event aligned with the broader objectives of the 2026 Civil Service Week celebration, which focused on strengthening institutional excellence, fostering unity among workers and promoting reforms aimed at improving service delivery in the state.
For many participants, the sporting activities represented more than a competition; they offered a rare opportunity for civil servants from different sectors of government to interact informally, build friendships and reinforce the spirit of cooperation necessary for efficient governance.
As the week-long celebration gradually draws to a close, the success of the match past and football tournament has further reinforced the commitment of the Delta State Government and the Office of the Head of Service to creating a motivated, healthy and productive workforce capable of supporting the state’s development agenda.
The event ended on a high note with participants expressing appreciation for the initiative and calling for more regular sporting and recreational engagements within the public service to sustain worker morale, physical fitness and workplace harmony.