Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, has officially opened the 20th edition of the Head of Service (HOS) Games, describing the annual competition as an avenue to promote physical fitness, relaxation, teamwork and unity among public servants.
Agoro declared the Games open on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Lagos State Rehabilitation Centre, Isheri-Berger, in the presence of members of the Body of Permanent Secretaries and participating public servants.
Speaking at the event, the Head of Service said the HOS Games had been sustained over the years to provide government employees with an opportunity to unwind, participate in sporting activities and build stronger relationships beyond their regular official duties.
He noted that sports provided a platform for public servants from different ministries, departments and agencies to interact, develop team spirit and strengthen camaraderie across the Lagos State Public Service.
Agoro explained that the competition extends beyond football, with other sporting activities including table tennis, scrabble, chess, tug of war, tennis, Ayo and draught. He encouraged public servants to participate actively, stressing that regular physical activity could contribute to improved fitness, wellbeing and productivity.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Mrs. Sunkanmi Oyegbola, said the state government was encouraged by the growing participation of agencies in the competition.
Oyegbola said the Games were designed not only to promote physical exercise but also to encourage sportsmanship and improve the overall wellbeing of public servants. She stressed that participation and healthy competition remained more important than winning.
According to her, the friendly rivalry among Permanent Secretaries over the performances of their respective teams had added excitement to the competition while further strengthening relationships within the Public Service.
She disclosed that more government agencies and Accounting Officers had expressed interest in participating in the Games, urging others to join future editions and contribute to the continued growth of the competition.
In the opening football fixture, Team Public Service Office (PSO) defeated Team Parastatals Monitoring Office (PMO) 2–1 to begin its campaign in the 20th HOS Games on a winning note.
