The 12th edition of the inter agency football competition, otherwise known as the HoS Cup, among Ministries, Departments and Agencies, including local government areas and local council development areas in Lagos State, will commence on August 8, 2017.
A statement issued in Lagos on Monday by the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Fiyinfunoluwa Ogunbanke, explained that 64 MDAs and LGAs/LCDAs would participate in the competition.
Ogunbanke explained that the competition, which would be held at three venues – Opebi Primary School, Opebi; Olusosun Primary School, Ojota; and Agidingbi Primary School, Agidingbi – is aimed at engendering and fostering the spirit of sportsmanship in the State Public Service.
Ogunbanke noted that this year’s competition is particularly unique as it is coming on the heels of the State’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, adding that lots of activities have been lined up to add glamour and glitz to the Competition.
She stated that a committee comprising of officials drawn from MDAs and relevant football bodies has been constituted to coordinate this year’s tournament.
The Permanent Secretary stressed that measures have also been put in place to ensure that only qualified members of staff take part in the HoS Cup tournament, adding that all prospective players are required to attach their letters of appointment, recent pay slip, staff identification card and medical certificate of fitness to their registration forms.
The Permanent Secretary warned team managers and coaches not to field ineligible players, adding that any Agency that contravenes this rule would be banned from the competition for a minimum period of two years.
Ogunbanke pointed out that the incentives for the winning teams and individual award winners in both the male and female categories have been scaled up.
She stated further that the finals of both the male and female categories are scheduled to hold at the Agege Stadium next month, adding that one of the highlights of the grand finale is a Tug of War game amongst members of the paramilitary organisations in the State Public Service.