By Kalu Emetu & Lucky Amuta
Their routine is not all about traffic control and the rigidity of discipline associated with effective service delivery, values that define them well.
Perhaps unbeknownst to many, officers and men of the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) (more popularly called VIO) of Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), are great sportsmen and women too.
The all-round potentials of the personnel glittered like a million stars during a table tennis tournament organized by the leadership of the Directorate recently.
After the exciting flurries, the rising and falling tensions of backspins, smashes, sidespins and topspins, Gwagwalada Command of DRTS emerged victorious from among the competing arms of the Directorate.
In his address to kick off the championship, the Director of DRTS, Alhaji Abubakar Yeldu, urged participants to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship and accept the outcome of the tournament.
Stressing the vital importance of sports, he urged officers and men to participate in sporting activities so as to remain physically fit for the day-to-day routines in the line of duty and for effectiveness and enhanced productivity.
The third edition of the championship, anchored by the Sports and Recreation Unit of the Directorate, was part of efforts to enhance physical fitness of officers and men, stimulate the spirit of sportsmanship, and encourage inter-departmental participation in various sporting activities.
This year’s event started on 22 July with 30 participants drawn from various Divisions, Units and Commands of the Directorate.
At the end of the group stage, representatives of four arms of the organization fought their way to qualify for the last four (semi finals) with two eventually progressing to the final of the competition.
The well-organized grand finale saw spectators thrilled by the skillful service and mesmerizing smashes of two finalists, Andrew Akene and Husseini Badagi, with the atmosphere intermittently punctuated by resounding roars and applause as the competitors fought for the ultimate prize.
In the final, Akene of the Finance and Accounts Department (Headquarters), a two-time champion and unbeaten since the tournament’s inception in 2024, was seeking to defend his title against Badagi of Gwagwalada Command.
Badagi, the underdog, and who had lost to Akene in the second edition, returned fully prepared for vengeance.
After seven intense sets, Badagi dethroned the defending champion to claim the highly coveted trophy.
The finals had begun with the third place match between Kubau Yusuf of Public Relations & Enlightenment Division and Walter Ilo of the Maintenance Unit. After five rigorous and exciting rounds, Yusuf emerged victorious and received the bronze medal.
In his closing remarks, the Director of Human Resource Management (HRM), DRTS, Mr. Hilary Kwapyong, who spoke on behalf of the Director, congratulated all participants, emphasizing the need for regular recreational activities.
He disclosed that management was looking at the introduction of monthly 10-kilometre walk to boost general body fitness.
Management staff, officers and men, spectators from far and near, sports lovers, and family members graced the event. The highlight was the presentation of certificates of participation and trophy to the winner.
*PHOTO CAPTION:R-L: Director, DRTS, Alhaji Abdullahi Yeldu, with the Director, HRM, Hilary Kwapyong savouring the contests.
