By Gracious Akujobi
Benue and Ondo states are among the states jostling to host the 2013 Games of the Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA).
Prompt News Online learnt from Victor Orji, the President of FEPSGA at an award ceremony in Abuja on (Friday) that both State Governors have accepted to host the games.
The award ceremony was to honour some state Governors, philanthropists and athletes who made the 2012 FEPSGA games successful.
Orji, however, said logistics of hosting the games has not yet been finalized because of interest shown by various States.
“We have not finalized on the logistics. In fact other states have also shown interest in hosting the games”
“The Head of Service of Ondo state said the governor had accepted to host the games but that he will want to meet with us to know the logistics.
“This is to know if the state can host the games this year, but if not, they will host the 2014 edition.
“Because we have not finalized, it may be difficult to work things out if more states should apply.
“If more states apply to host, we will accept; this is why we don’t want to announce a host state yet, so that we don’t change it later,’’ Orji said.
The FEPSGA boss revealed that Benue was delaying in giving its final approval because of Governor Gabriel Suswan’s involvement in the negotiation between Federal Government and University lecturers.
“Benue has agreed to host but it’s just that the governor has not been around to append his signature.
“He has approved of the hosting and also made a position paper after we sent a proposal.
“The governor is busy now with the ASUU/FG negotiation, if not, arrangements would have been concluded, but I think we will be going to Makurdi.
“However, any state can still win the hosting right, so, everything is still open to states until we see an endorsed paper.
Orji pointed out that this year’s games would be unique as the sports club has declared war on the use of mercenaries for its sporting activities.
He said that teams from 11 Ministries, Departments and Agencies who used mercenaries in past games have been suspended and the congress members have resolved to tackle the issue before it gets out of control.
