Two weeks after the tentative kick-off date of the 45th Annual Public Service Games (FEPSGA) elapsed, Kano State’s hosting plans remain uncertain as the state government is yet to release the funds it promised for the event.
The competition, which was scheduled to commence on October 16, 2026, is yet to move beyond the planning stage, with the financial support required to facilitate preparations and ensure successful hosting from Kano State Government is still unavailable.
Both the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the Main Organising Committee (MOC) are reportedly uncertain about the next line of action as they await the release of funds by the state government.
Investigation by this website revealed that, as of the time of filing this report, there was no indication that the expected funds had been released or that their release was imminent.
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The delay has reportedly put the hosting arrangements in jeopardy, leaving both committees struggling to translate their plans into concrete preparations.
Further findings revealed that members of the MOC, who visited Kano some time ago to assess the state’s level of preparedness, left Kano state disappointed after observing little evidence of practical arrangements, with activities largely limited to paperwork.
It was also reliably gathered that the LOC had completed the necessary groundwork and forwarded its requests to the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, for final approval. However, the approval is still pending.
The LOC has reportedly completed key aspects of the groundwork, including identifying Kano’s athletes and officials for the various sports.
The committee has also identified the sporting facilities, hostels and hotels earmarked to accommodate participants and officials throughout the competition.
It could be recalled that more than 40 days ago, the Kano State Government opened registration for civil and public servants interested in representing the state at the 45th edition of the annual games.
The registration exercise was announced through a circular issued by the State Government’s Establishments Directorate on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
The circular was signed by Abba A. Danguguwa, Permanent Secretary, Establishments, on behalf of the Head of Service and Chairperson of the LOC.
However, the continued delay in releasing the promised funds has raised concerns among the LOC and the national organising body over the financial commitment of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration to Kano’s participation and hosting of the competition.
The situation has also cast doubt on the state’s readiness to host the historic sporting event, particularly as the LOC awaits the financial backing needed to turn its plans into reality.
Efforts by this website to reach the Head of Service, Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, who also chairs the LOC, for comments proved unsuccessful.
However, her Information Officer, Hajia Rukayyah Uba, said when contacted that the committee had completed about 70 per cent of the overall preparations and was doing its best to ensure that Kano met the deadline.
Her assessment, however, contrasts with findings suggesting that the absence of government funding has slowed down concrete preparations. The outstanding financial support therefore remains a major concern, even after the original kick-off date has passed.
The games are expected to bring together civil and public servants from across the country to compete in various sporting events while promoting unity, social cohesion and national integration.
Hosting the competition would also provide Kano with an opportunity to showcase its hospitality, sporting capacity and rich cultural heritage.
Beyond sports, hosting the games would provide an economic boost to Kano. Traders, food vendors, hoteliers and other small business operators stand to benefit from increased patronage as visiting athletes and officials spend money on food, shopping and other services during their stay in the state.
