By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
President Muhammadu Buhari has described the ongoing 13th biennial edition of Nigeria Police Games as one the most prestigious sporting events which promotes sports talents and builds bridges of partnership among police officers and the community.
President Buhari, who was the guest of honour at the event, said that the Police Games over the years, has produced sports icons who have made the nation proud at global events, expressing confidence that the 13th edition will not be an exception.
Represented by the Minister of Police Affairs, Muhammad Dingyadi, President Buhari said “Nigeria Police Force has undoubtedly demonstrated throughout its history its track record of producing sports icons who have made our nation proud in global arena”.
The President commended Akwa Ibom State for hosting the 13th Biennial Police Games, pointing out that the collaboration between the State Government and the Nigeria Police should be replicated in other states.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, who declared the games open at the Nest of Champions in Uyo, the state capital, on Thursday, restated his administration’s commitment to sports development in the country.
Emmanuel, said that his administration’s priority to sports development has culminated in the victories recorded by the state in the Aiteo Cup, Nigerian Professional Football League, the Nigerian Federation Cup, among others and commended the Police Force for the choice of Akwa Ibom for the event.
The governor also described the police games as a partnership for excellence and harvest of talents for sports development.
He noted that the Police Force and other security agencies have worked assiduously to maintain peace in the state thereby making Akwa Ibom the choice destination for tourism and other engagements.
“Let me place on record our gratitude for the opportunity to host this event. We also wish to commend the Nigeria Police Force and indeed all other security agencies for working collaboratively with us to ensure the peace we enjoy in this state and the upsurge in tourism and investments that come with it.
“Here in Akwa Ibom State, we have given the issue of sports development the attention and resources it deserves.
“Since we came into office, our own football club has won the Aiteo Cup, Nigerian Professional Football League Trophy, the Nigerian Federation Cup, among others”, he stated.
The Governor however regretted the road mishap in which some police officers lost their lives on their way to participate in the games and commiserated with the families of the deceased police officers.
The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Usman Alkali Baba, stated that the vision of hosting the Nigeria 13th Biennial Police Games in Uyo, with the theme “Promoting Sporting Excellence Towards Ensuring Fitness for Operational Exigencies and Combat Readiness”, was conceived upon the experience of the Force’s hierarchy during the Strategic Police Officers Conference held in the state earlier this year.
IGP Baba said the Biennial Police Games was a unique component of the Nigeria Police which has produced for Nigeria, sporting stars that eventually rise to global fame and expressed confidence that the 13th series, being held in Uyo, will further the historic tradition, while promising Akwa Ibom people and all spectators an enjoyable sporting fiesta.
The colourful opening ceremony of the event at the Nest of Champions located in the city of Uyo, featured parades, hoisting of the games flag among other features.
