The Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday held the draws for the 2026 Speaker’sGames, themed “Renewed Hope”, to promote physical fitness, unity and talent discovery among public servants.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the annual sporting competition is in its 6th edition and is organised to commemorate the birthday of the Speaker, Mr Mudashiru Obasa.
The Games, which include football, ludo, table tennis, tug of war, ayo, chess, snooker and others, are designed to encourage staff of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to embrace sports and healthy living.
At the ceremony, Deputy Speaker Mrs Mojisola Meranda described the Games as more than just a birthday celebration, noting that it was a platform to foster wellness, teamwork and closer ties among workers.
“Not only is it to celebrate the birthday of the Speaker, but also to ensure the fitness of all the staff,” she said.
Meranda said the theme, “Renewed Hope”, reflected the importance of investing in people’s welfare, happiness and overall wellbeing.
According to her, the competition would enable participants to build stronger relationships while embracing healthy living.
She added that the event was intended to combine celebration with a commitment to physical fitness, camaraderie and the development of sporting talents across government institutions.
“Beyond the competition, this Games offer us an opportunity to strengthen bonds and encourage wellbeing. As we celebrate the birthday of our Speaker, we celebrate the vision behind the Games,” she said.
She urged participants to compete fairly and demonstrate good sportsmanship, expressing hope that the 2026 edition would be inspiring.
“I enjoin all the participants to embrace sportsmanship and wellbeing. May this year’s edition be inspiring for all of us,” Meranda said.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Youth, Sports and Social Development, Mr Abiodun Orekoya, described the Speaker’s
Games as an annual event organised to mark Obasa’s birthday and promote sporting activities among public servants.
Orekoya, representing Somolu Constituency I, urged participants to see the competition as an opportunity to demonstrate character, discipline and mutual respect rather than merely pursuing trophies.
“Today, we gather not just as competitors, but as people united by sports. Your performance is not measured by trophies, but by your character,” he said.
He commended those working behind the scenes to ensure the success of the event.
Orekoya said the Assembly remained committed to promoting sports development and discovering talents among public servants.
“The Games are not about fighting ourselves; it is about developing ourselves,” he said.
He assured participants that the Assembly intended to sustain the competition beyond the tenure of the current Speaker.
The Clerk of the House, Mrs Adenike Oshinowo, expressed appreciation to the Deputy Speaker, lawmakers, government officials and staff members for attending the event.
She also acknowledged the contributions of commissioners, agencies and commissions to the programme, urging participants to uphold the spirit of fair play.
“Let us all exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship, as we have been enjoined. Compete very well, and we assure you that almost everybody will go home with something,” Oshinowo said.
NAN reports that the draws were supervised by Meranda and Orekoya as preparations continue for the annual competition.
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