Ondo plans maiden HOS football tournament

Ondo State Head of Service, Kayode Ogundele, FCIPM, has inaugurated the Local Organizing Committee, LOC, for the maiden edition of HOS Cup among public servants in the state.

The tournament, which is expected to draw 18 teams from 98 MDAs across the state is an initiative of the Department of Public Service Reform, aimed at addressing anti-social and sedentary lifestyle of most public servants adjudged to be responsible for cumulative stress and underperformance on their part.

Speaking at the official inauguration of the committee, the Head of Service, said the idea is a way for workers to dissipate their stress and be physically and mentally fit for better delivery on the job.

While noting the prevalent economic situation and its associated effects on health of public servants, Ogundele charged the committee to adequately sensitize the entire workforce on the importance of exercise to their overall wellbeing which he said informed the organization of the tournament.

In his words, ‘I want to believe that this is a way of building a total man, a total woman in the public service. We are having a situation where our souls, spirits and bodies are energized and it will build a bond of connection in the public service.’

While expressing confidence in the calibre of the committee members, the HoS charged them to justify the confidence reposed on them by putting in their best to ensure a successful outing.

Earlier in his remarks, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Reform office, Prince Adewale Omomowo said the need for build recreational activities for the physical and mental wellness of public servants informed organization of the annual HoS Cup.

According to him, the tournament would also create a platform for bonding and networking for public servants across MDAs, thereby enhancing the ‘one administration’ mantra of the present administration in the state.

The committee has the Adminstrative Secretary, Reform Office, Prince Adewale Omomowo, his counterparts from Ministry of Youths and Sport, Mrs Foluke Daramola and Ondo State Football Agency, Mr Ijeh Bekewei, the General Manager of the State Sport Council, Mr Henry Babatunde as members.

Others are Mr Akinkuolie Muyiwa, Mr Edema John, Mrs Lebi Evelyn and Mrs Bamidele Oluwaseyi.

Sina Adeyeye,
Office of the HoS