By Joseph Obunse
The Anambra State Head of Service, Mrs. Ngozi Anulika Iwouno, Mni, has declared that the Solution Novelty Football Tournament organized for civil servants has come to stay, describing it as an avenue for promoting unity, teamwork and healthy living among workers.
She disclosed this on October 29 during the tripartite matches played as part of activities marking the 2026 Public Service Week, adding that the competition would soon progress to the final stage at the Awka City Stadium.
In the matches, the Ministry of Culture defeated the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget with a lone goal, while the Ministry of Finance also secured a 1–0 victory over the Ministry of Education.
Another encounter between the Ministry of Power and the Ministry of Youths and Sports ended in a goalless draw, forcing both teams into a penalty shootout to determine the winner.
The ensuing contest proved dramatic as both teams exhausted their available players, including female participants, before the Permanent Secretaries of the two ministries also took their turns.
The tension continued until players began taking repeated kicks, with the Ministry of Power eventually emerging victorious in the keenly contested encounter.
Speaking with journalists at the match venue, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Hon. Patrick Agha Mba, said the tournament promotes unity, commitment and positive values among civil servants.
He noted that the initiative also aligns with the grassroots development, ecosystem and sports economy components of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s administration.
Hon. Agha Mba stressed that building a liveable and prosperous homeland requires a united, healthy and productive workforce, urging civil servants to embrace sporting activities as part of their commitment to personal well-being.
The Commissioner commended the wife of the Governor, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo, for introducing the Healthy Living Initiative, encouraging workers to take advantage of the opportunity to maintain healthy lifestyles.
He further urged civil servants to use the tournament to strengthen teamwork, build lasting relationships and improve their collective productivity in the public service.
Joseph is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State.
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