The 14th biennial Police Games, with over 4,000 officers from different police formations and sister security agencies, commenced on Saturday in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

The Inspector-General of Police(IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, while reflecting on the game tagged: “Oluyole 2024”, said the games, over the years, have been a cradle for scouting and unveiling new talents.

Mr Egbetokun said the games serve as a distinct platform for police athletes to unite and demonstrate their skills as part of a cohesive, disciplined, and selflessly dedicated family.

He said the game’s significance transcends mere competition because it embodies an enduring spirit of comradeship, resilience and pursuit of excellence.

“In the upcoming eight days, police athletes from 36 state commands and the FCT organised into 17 zonal commands and force headquarters formations will be engaging in the spirited competition.

“This force men and women while competing to secure medals for their respective commands and formations will be writing their names in the record of glory.

“I am optimistic that with this year’s games, we will witness the emergence of new talents poised to carry forward the legacy of our esteemed sportsmen and women.

“There is no doubt that by the end of this event, we will be inspired by the promising potential of these stars,“ he said.

The IGP urged the athletes to uphold sportsmanship, unity and solidarity while pursuing victory for their commands.

Earlier, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who represented President Bola Tinubu, said Nigeria must pay attention and properly package its sports and entertainment sectors in seeking sustainable ways of solving the country’s economic issues.

He reiterated that the police games remained a great platform to discover and project talents to the world and to showcase the country for experiential tourism.

The 13th biennial Police Games was held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, from November 23 to 30, 2022. 

(NAN)