The Nigeria Police have commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for providing essential resources and logistical support as the 14th edition of the Biennial Police Games (BIPOGA), tagged Oluyole 2024 is set to begin.
The historic sporting event will begin with an opening ceremony that will be attended by the Presidency; the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun; and Governor Makinde, among other dignitaries.
The Force Public Relations Officer (PRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed, during a press conference held at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
Adejobi said that 4,000 policemen and policewomen would be participating in various recognised games across the globe, ranging from swimming to football, boxing, lawn tennis, table tennis, badminton, and wrestling, among others.
He noted that “the 14th Biennial Police Games will be an avenue for the Police to continue its agelong tradition of discovering sports talents, stating that in line with the theme,”Competing for Peace, Unity, Stability and Development of Nigeria,” the event, which will run from Saturday, 24th February till the 2nd of March, 2024, is also to send a strong signal to Nigerians on the need for unity and stability.”
Adejobi, who commended the Oyo State Governor, Makinde, for being a wonderful host of the Oluyole 2024, maintained that the Police are also sending warning signals to criminals that the headquarters of the Police is in the state for the next one week and any strange movement should be brought to the notice of the police.
He said: “The Nigeria Police Force has a good history when it comes to sports development in Nigeria. For many years, we have been at the forefront of producing and projecting talents in a sports arena in Nigeria and beyond. So, we are coming together, converging on Ibadan to have the 14th Biennial Games.
“We know that if you are not mentally fit, you cannot discharge your duty as a police officer. Our intention is also to make sure we come together to do this game and identify talents that will support this country in producing good hands and good brains that will develop our sports,” the Force PRO revealed.
According to Adejobi, the message from the IGP is that the BIPOGA goes beyond mere competition but will bring positive development to Oyo State, send a signal to Nigerians to maintain the sovereignty of the country and affirm the need for peace in the country, saying sport is one of the things that can be used to strengthen the unity of the country and develop the state economically and socially.
On his part, the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Makinde, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, said the state government has fully prepared for the success of the event, noting that the Governor Makinde-led administration is renowned for discovering and developing sport potentials.
He stated: “Several stadiums have been prepared and we have gone to a great extent to ensure that everything that will be needed by the policemen is provided. So, it is going to be an exciting event. Please, come and see policemen outside their assignment and uniform. Come and see how they run, jump and relate as you may also pick interest in one of these games.
“Oyo State enables potential and we are hoping that at the event, new talents will be discovered. We are hoping that, as a result of this tournament, Nigeria will have people that will win at the Olympics and athletes that will win at the international stage. So, we are hopeful that this will bring a new dawn in athletics in Nigeria and everyone that comes here will have a swell time,” Olanrewaju asserted.
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke, noted that the state is looking forward to the economic benefits of the event.
He said; “I see Oyo State as a lucky state and, as Pacesetter, we are setting the pace all the time. I see this as an opportunity to boost our economy.”
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