The Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday held the draws for the 2026 Speaker’s Games, themed “Renewed Hope”, to promote physical fitness, unity and talent discovery among public servants.

The annual sporting competition is in its sixth edition and is organised to commemorate the birthday of the speaker, 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 Mojisola Meranda described the games as more than a birthday celebration, noting that they were a platform to foster wellness, teamwork, and closer ties among workers.

Ms Meranda said the theme, “Renewed Hope”, reflected the importance of investing in people’s welfare, happiness and overall well-being.

She urged participants to compete fairly and demonstrate good sportsmanship, hoping 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,” Ms Meranda said.

The chairman of the House Committee on Youth, Sports and Social Development, Abiodun Orekoya, urged participants to see the competition as an opportunity to demonstrate character, discipline and mutual respect rather than merely pursuing trophies.

He commended those working behind the scenes to ensure the event’s success.

Mr Orekoya said the assembly remained committed to promoting sports development and discovering talents among public servants.

He assured participants that the assembly intended to sustain the competition beyond the current speaker’s tenure.

The clerk of the House, Adenike Oshinowo, thanked the deputy speaker, lawmakers, government officials, and staff members for attending the event.

(NAN)