The twelfth Biennial Police Games, tagged Anambra 2020 has been flagged off.


The opening ceremony which took place at Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, was flagged off by President Mohammadu Buhari.


Government House Correspondent, Ejike Abana reports that the event was witnessed by a mammoth crowd of over fifteen thousand participants and spectators, clad in colorful sports wears blended with the Nigeria Police colour of green, blue, white, yellow and black, as well as the Traditional Isi Agu wear of Ndigbo.


Dignitaries including Commissioners Of Police from the twelve Zonal Commands, among others, took the salute
The event which has its theme as “Promoting Community Safety through Sports,” is holding in the South East for the first time.


Governors of Enugu and Ebonyi States were represented by their deputies, Service Chiefs, members of the State Executive Council, former players Rangers International Football Club of Enugu, among others, attended the event.


In his speech , President Buhari who was represented by the Minister of Police Affairs, Mohammadu Dingyadi, described the objectives of the games as commendable, noting that the event is coming at a better time when Nigeria is faced with internal security threats, that requires physically and mentally fit people, assuring that security will remain one of his administration’s focal points.


President Buhari restated that his administration has been prioritizing the Nigeria Police, which is why he, among other efforts, gave approval for the recruitment of ten thousand police men yearly.


While expressing confidence that the games will be in line with internationally accepted standard, the Force Secretary and Chairman Sports Planning Committee, Assistant Inspector General of Police Akali Usman commended the Governor for his foresight, motivation and support, adding that they intend to use the edition of the games to sustain the Nigeria sporting events, expressing optimism that emerging talents from the games will be picked to represent the country in international events and make Nigeria proud.


Addressing the gathering, Governor Obiano said that sports plays a uniting role which is why his administration accepted to host the historic event, noting that it is a major sports event in Anambra since creation.


While looking forward to the economic impact that the games will have on the State, the Governor thanked the Inspector General of Police and his team for finding Anambra worthy, stressing that Anambra has a rare track record in sporting feat, as well as producing sports men and women.


The Governor expressed confidence that Sports will not remain the same in the state again, as the quality facilities provided have become part of the legacies of his government, adding that the games is a testimony of the great partnership his administration enjoys with the Nigeria Police, which is a partnership against crime and safer society.


In his remarks, the Inspector General of Police Mohammad Adamu pointed out that the event is significant because it will help officers in the profession in their work which according to him, is physically and mentally tasking, stressing that it will enhance team spirit and revive the culture of resilience, as well as build good will with the public.


He thanked the Governor for accepting to host the event, calling on the athletes to compete fairly, build friendship and maintain high standards, while playing according to the rules.


The event featured parade by the twelve zones of the Nigeria Police, hoisting of the games touch, among others.
Police Sporting activities started with the recruitment of able bodied men into the thirty man consular Guard when they had to be tested in runs and jumps to determine their physical fitness.


The actual Police sporting competition began in 1946 at the Obalende Police ground in the then Lagos colony when CP W.C. King, the Inspector-General of Police between 1942 and 1947 staged the first Police Athletics Championship, which attracted athletes from the Provinces in the regions and Lagos colony.


Popular Anambra born Flavour, Zubby Michael among others, thrilled the audience.

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