The 66th birthday of the Director General, Government House Administration, Dr. Umar Oricha, was marked with a colourful display of unity and friendship as staff of the Kogi State Government House came together for a novelty football match in his honour.
The match, held at the Government House Sports Complex in Lokoja, brought together members of the Government House community in a friendly contest that provided an opportunity for staff to celebrate the administrator while promoting unity and sportsmanship.
The Auxiliary Staff football team emerged champions after defeating the Full Staff team 7-6 on penalties, following a keenly contested encounter that ended 3-3 at full time.
The match attracted staff and spectators, who added excitement to the atmosphere as both teams battled for the trophy in a contest marked by spirited display and competitive determination by both teams.
From the opening whistle, the Auxiliary Staff displayed impressive teamwork, fluid passing and defensive resilience, while the Full Staff team responded with experience and tactical play.
Despite the intensity of the contest, the players maintained the spirit of friendship and sportsmanship throughout the encounter.
The trophy was presented to the victorious Auxiliary Staff team by the General Manager, Kogi State Community and Social Development Agency, Dauda Momoh, who represented the Director General of Government House Administration at the event.
He urged participants to sustain the initiative, describing sports and recreational activities as important avenues for strengthening relationships and fostering friendship among workers beyond their official responsibilities.
Speaking after the match, the organiser and Team Manager of the Government House Sports Team, Mr. Adams Ogbabo, thanked Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for creating an enabling environment for recreational activities among staff.
Ogbabo said the novelty match was organised to further strengthen unity among Government House staff and promote the spirit of sportsmanship, adding that the football match was part of activities to celebrate the 66th birthday of Dr. Oricha.
Other stakeholders commended the spirit of sportsmanship shown by participants and commended the DG Government House for his selfless service.
