14th Biennial Police Games Kickoff In Ibadan

Gov Seyi Makinde with the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun at the event 

Fun, Pageantry As 14th Biennial Games Kick Off In Ibadan

The 14th Biennial Police Games tagged Oluyole 2024 began today in Ibadan amidst fanfare and pegantry. 

The colorful sporting event attracted display and march past from the 17 zonal commands of the federation. 

The sporting event tagged "competing for peace, unity, stability and development of Nigeria will hold from Saturday 24 February to 2nd March 2024 in Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State.

Speaking at the event, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State, who represents President Bola Tinubu at the event, commended the Nigeria Police Force for bringing the competition to the south west while affirming that the sporting festival will boost the economic activities of the state.

He said, "The Oyo State government is hosting the competition in the first quarter of the second tenure of Omituntun 2.0. The sport festival will boost the tourism sector in Nigeria and it is an avenue to project new athletes to the world". 

The Governor further commended the NPF for producing Chioma Ajunwa, the first gold medalist in long jump. 

Adding, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun charged the athletes to compete according to the rules of the games and uphold the core values of professionalism. 

The IGP further revealed that the Nigeria Police games is a fertile ground for nurturing sport talents while affirming that the 2024 edition of the police games will surpassed previous edition. 

He further stated that the purpose of the game is to foster unity across the country.

The 2024 Police games will attract over 4000 athletes across the 17 zonal commands of the Nigeria Police Force.

In his goodwill message, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, said sport is an avenue to foster unity.

He added that the Army and the Nigeria Police have continued to work tirelessly to sustain peace in the country.

The opening ceremony featured parades from the seventeen zones and the headquarters of the Nigeria Police, hoisting of the Games’ flag and cultural displays, among others.

The event had in attendance, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo; the Chief of Staff to the Governor and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of Oluyole 2024, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; and the Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni (mni), Chairperson of Oyo State Netball Association, Ambassador Romoke Ayinde among others.