Follow Us on Google
From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
The National Assembly (NASS) Management has directed its contingent to the 45th Federal Public Service Games (FEPSGA) in Kano to be disciplined and win medals, warning athletes and officials against any conduct capable of tarnishing the image of the legislature.
This charge was given by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, who was represented at the send-forth ceremony for the contingent ahead of the games by the Secretary, Human Resources and Staff Development, National Assembly, Essien Eyo Essien.
He urged the athletes to see themselves as ambassadors of the National Assembly, stressing that their conduct both on and off the field would be interpreted as a reflection of the character of the institution.
“Every eye will be on you. Your behaviour, both on and off the field of play, will be interpreted as the character of the National Assembly,” the clerk said.
He reminded the contingent that their participation in the games did not exempt them from the Public Service Rules, charging them to demonstrate discipline, loyalty, punctuality, respect for constituted authority and decent conduct throughout their stay in Kano.
“I charge you to shun all acts capable of bringing this revered institution to disrepute. There must be no fighting, no use of banned substances, no drunkenness, no indecent dressing, and no form of misconduct.”
He also challenged the contingent to strive to emerge as the most disciplined, decent and organised team at the games, saying winning medals must go hand-in-hand with winning respect for the institution.
“Win with humility and lose with dignity. That is true sportsmanship.
“FEPSGA is more than medals. It is about fitness, friendship, networking, and fostering unity in the Federal Public Service.”
Similarly, the chairman of the National Assembly Sports Club, Paul Kapnan Nanvyap, said the contingent was heading to Kano not merely to participate but to compete and return with laurels.
Nanvyap expressed appreciation to the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, the Deputy Clerk, Bashir Yero, the top management team and the Executive Secretary of the National Assembly Library Trust Fund, Henry Nwawuba, for their support for the sports club.
He particularly commended management for approving a larger contingent for this year’s games, describing the decision as a demonstration of its commitment to staff welfare, sports development, teamwork and institutional pride.
“We are not going merely as participants. We are going as representatives and ambassadors of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Nanvyap said.
He charged the athletes to uphold discipline, integrity, teamwork and good conduct, while respecting organisers, officials and fellow athletes.
“Let us compete with determination, win with humility and, where necessary, accept defeat with dignity,” he said.
Furthermore, Nanvyap disclosed that members of the National Assembly sports family had also been given opportunities to serve as Legislative Aides and ad hoc staff in various offices, describing the gesture as recognition of their contributions and one that had strengthened unity and inclusivity within the contingent.
He also acknowledged the support of the Secretary, Finance and Accounts, Atiku Ibrahim, as well as sports enthusiasts Aminu Mansur and Labaran Ibrahim, for their contributions to the development of the National Assembly Sports Club.
The chairman said the contingent would also be conscious of the need to protect the reputation of the legislature throughout the games.
“Wherever we are in Kano, we carry the name, image and reputation of the National Assembly with us,” he said.
Nanvyap expressed confidence in the quality of athletes and officials selected to represent the National Assembly, saying they were capable of returning from the games with medals and trophies.
“Go out there, give your best, make us proud and bring back the medals,” he told the athletes.
