President Goodluck Jonathan says his administration is committed to the continuous development of the potentials of the nation’s sportsmen and women. President Jonathan said this recently during the Closing Ceremony of the 10th Biennial Police Sports games with the, theme “Redefining Police Through Sports” at the Liberation Stadium, Elekahia in Port Harcourt.
Represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo, the President stated that “the Federal Government will continue to give maximum support to our sportsmen and women to ensure that they can achieve their ultimate goals and bring honour to our dear nation,” describing sports as a pivot through which national and local honours were won by Nigerian athletes.
He praised former Police athletes like Olympic gold medallists, CSP Chioma Ajunwa, late SP Sunday Bada, former world heavyweight boxing champion, DSP Samuel Peters, ASP David Izonrite, and numerous others, for winning laurels for the country, acknowledging that the Nigeria Police Force has contributed immensely to the development of sports in the country.
Dr Jonathan observed that the Force has distinguished itself as “one of the veritable sources that has produced great athletes that have brought honour and glory to our dear nation,” commending the Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, and his team for the success of the games, challenging all participants to improve their performance so as to continue to represent the country in international competitions.
In his speech, Rivers State Governor, Rt.Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, represented by his deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru, noted that the spirit of unity of sportsmanship has been ignited among the participants and across the security agencies, assuring the Police of his administration’s continued support in order to achieve its mandate of maintaining law and order, encouraging the Police high command to continue to improve the physical fitness of its officers.
Speaking, Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, stated that the aim of the Games which is to promote unity, comradeship and excellence among members of the Force and other sister organizations has been achieved, stressing that the Force under his leadership would continue to stress the importance of physical fitness to its members, saying that “friendship has been achieved by this game especially in this era of national transformation, games like this help in uniting the country”.
IGP Abubakar stated that the Games has provided a platform for the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to harmoniously interact, thanking President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Namadi Sambo and Governor Amaechi for their support.
Zone 2, Lagos won the overall trophy followed by Force Headquarters, Abuja and Zone 11, Oshogbo while five police officers won five brand new Picanto cars in the biennial competition.
Barth Ndu
