The 2026 Anambra State Civil Service Week has commenced with the Solution Novelty Cup, an inter-ministry football competition aimed at promoting physical fitness, teamwork and productivity among civil servants.
The tournament kicked off at the rear grounds of the Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex, Awka, with civil servants from various ministries participating in the opening fixtures.
Addressing participants, the Head of Service, Barrister Ngozi Anuli Iwouno, described the competition as an important prelude to the annual Civil Service Week celebrations.
Iwouno urged the participating teams to demonstrate discipline, dedication and fair play, stressing that the values displayed on the football field should also reflect in their conduct and commitment to effective public service delivery.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Honourable Patrick Agha Mba, said the tournament aligned with the vision of Governor Chukwuma Soludo to promote grassroots sports through school competitions, market tournaments and community-based health and lifestyle programmes.
According to him, a healthy workforce is essential to achieving the administration’s vision of a livable and prosperous homeland.
He noted that physical fitness, teamwork and mutual respect could strengthen relationships among civil servants and contribute to improved productivity across ministries.
Agha Mba urged the teams to compete enthusiastically while upholding discipline, sportsmanship and respect for their opponents.
He reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to using sports to promote healthy living, unity and teamwork across the state, declaring, “Solution is here, and Anambra State is rising!”
The opening matches produced a series of results, with the Ministry of Health recording a 3–0 walkover victory over the Ministry of Physical Planning after the latter failed to appear for the fixture.
In another encounter, the Ministry of Environment defeated the Ministry of Agriculture in a penalty shootout after the match ended in a draw, while the Ministry of Women Affairs secured a 1–0 victory over the Ministry of Petroleum.
