From Our Correspondent
President Bola Tinubu, on Saturday in Ibadan, described sport as the number one unifying factor in the country. He made the remarks in a message sent to the opening of the 14th Biennial Police Games tagged Oluyole 2024.
TheNewsZenith reports that Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State represented the President at the Game.
Tinubu recalled how a police officer, Chioma Ajunwa, won a gold medal for Nigeria at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics. “This made her the first black African woman to win an Olympic gold medal in a field event”.
The Nigeria Police Games, the President said, had over the years, been a great way of discovering talents and that he expected nothing less from the 14th edition.
After delivering the President’s speech, Makinde, also the Chief Host of the event, said it was only proper that the Biennial Police Games (BIPOGA), be held in Oyo State.
According to him, Oyo State is the new destination for experiential tourism in Nigeria.
“Let me, once again, welcome everyone to the 14th Biennial Games, Oluyole 2024. Uyo, Akwa Ibom hosted the 13th edition. But, today, it has moved to the South-West. Awalokan!
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“As you already know, we are projecting Oyo State as the place to come for experiential tourism. And what better way are we supposed to experience Oyo State, Nigeria, than through sports?
“I believe that games like these have potential to boost our economy. These games also give us an opportunity to see another side of the friendly and competitive side of the Nigerian Police,” Makinde said.
In his address, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokunm, said the 14th edition of the Police Games in Ibadan has the theme “Competing for Peace, Unity, Stability and Development of Nigeria”.
Egbetokun lauded the hosting state governor for providing the platform to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Oyo State.
“The significance of the Police Games transient mere competition. It embodied the endurance spirit of comrades, resilience and pursuit of excellence that characterises Nigeria law enforcement personnel.
“I’m confident that this game will also serve as a platform to showcase to the world the rich cultural heritage, vibrant economic potential and state-of-the-art sporting facilities of the state,” the IG said.
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