The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has reassured that the Nigeria Police Force will leverage on its sporting capabilities to improve on peace, unity, stability, and development of the nation.
The IGP gave the reassurance on Saturday , February 24, 2024, during his remarks at the 14th Biennial Police Games tagged Oluyole 2024 holding at the Adamasingba Sports Centre, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The IGP was joined by the executive governor of the state, Seyi Makinde, who represented the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the special guest of honour.
According to a statement by the Force spokesman, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP noted that the Nigeria Police Sports had been instrumental to producing champions who had, and were still representing the country nationally and internationally in various sporting competitions.
IGP Egbetokun equally emphasised the vital role of sports in fostering camaraderie, discipline, and mutual respect among officers and members of the public.
He noted that such competitions would serve as platforms for promoting team work, physical fitness and healthy competition among officers from various commands and formations of the Force.
Expanding the theme of the event which is ‘Competing for Peace, Unity, Stability, and Development of Nigeria,’ the IGP stressed that the 14th Biennial Police Games stands as a symbol of collective resolve of the Nigeria Police Force to promote national cohesion and solidarity through spirited participation in various sporting events.
This, he stated, would showcase the athletic prowess of officers, while reinforcing the values of professionalism, integrity and service to the nation, which are crucial to our collective safety and national development in Nigeria.
Appreciating Governor Makinde and good people of the state for their support in hosting the event, the IGP extended a warm invitation to the public to join in celebrating the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie during the 14th Biennial Police Games by uniting in cheering the sportsmen on.
He added that it would be a renewed drive to bring policing closer to the people through sports, as the Force intends to showcase and discover new talents in the sports circle of the police towards national development.
